Choice between T60/p Configurations

With the current holiday sale I've been messing around with various configurations for the T60 and T60p. I'm a graduate student who's been thinking of getting a notebook since the summer, but have kept putting it off. My main uses will primarily be internet, word processing, excel, and maybe some gaming if I travel with it (WC3, Battlefield 2142/2, WoW, - Note I'm not wanting a gaming notebook since my desktop is for that, but would like to have the ability to play something) I'm getting tempted to pull the trigger on one of these models, here's what I've come up with so far:

1.
Thinkpad T60 14-inch with Bluetooth
Intel Core 2 Duo processor T7200 (2.0GHz, 4MB L2, 667MHz FSB)
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 128MB
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
80GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD-ROM 8x Max, Ultrabay Slim
ThinkPad 11a/b/g Wi-Fi wireless LAN Mini-PCIe
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
$1,149 before taxes and shipping configured through Student site

2.
Lenovo ThinkPad T60p
14.1" TFT 1400 x 1050 ( SXGA+ )
ATI Mobility FireGL V5200 - 256 MB
Core 2 Duo T7400 / 2.16 GHz
1GB DDR2 MEMORY PC2-5300 667MHZ
TP 80GB HDD 5400RPM SATA
DVD-ROM 8X MAX ULTRABAY SLIM
ThinkPad 6 Cell Li-Ion Battery
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Mini-PCI Express Adapter
$1,240.30 configured through Student site

My limited computer knowledge tells me that the T60p is the better deal of the two, with an upgraded processor, and 1 stick of 1gig RAM. However, through reading the forums I've read that the FireGL is mainly for CAD type work, which I have no use for. I have not established a clear relationship between the x1400 and the FireGL for gaming performance, which could be my deciding factor if someone can clue me in.

Thanks for the help.

 

I think the 3DMark score for v5200 fall right in between x1400 and x1600 (can anyone provide a link?), but there may be compatibility issue for some games since the card is not designed for gaming. The v5200 is based on x1600.

 

Both will be nice machines. I would not stress about the processor as it will make very little difference. It would be nice to have the memory in 1 DIMM, but not a deal breaker. The t60p's firegl card is based of the x1600 core and as such is more powerful. It will offer more performance but as you mentioned some of the games may have issues due to the fact that it is a CAD optimized card. The other difference is that the t60p does not have a dvd-burner. This may not matter to you. You will be able to play all the games mentioned on the x1400, but not maxed out.

Does the t60 have a sxga+ screen like the p?

I'd lean towards the t60p because it's more powerful and the prices are almost dead even.

 

Both have the same screens as far as I'm aware. Both are configured with just a DVD-ROM as I don't need a cd or dvd burner.

The T60p is only a $90 upgrade from the T60, but I don't want compatibility issues with the video card. Also, setting level on games doesn't bother me, as I have most everything tuned down on my desktop.

 

I didn't have any problems with the drivers for the v5250, it played source just fine with everything turned all the way up. It is definately the better deal with the upgraded processor and a video card that is twice the video card the x1400 is. I wouldn't worry about drivers, there is no doubt the firegl is a much better card, the only drawback is lower battery life. I experienced 2 hours 15-30minutes on a 6cell with the T60p, brightness almost all the way up and everything else turned down to optimize battery.

I had to return my T60p due to a memory parity error, but after rehashing the same decision between T60 w/X1400 or T60p w/firegl I am still getting the better valued T60p and will also get the ultrabay 3cell battery to make up for the battery life loss. (I'm not a fan of batteries sticking out the back hence no 9cell)