Help me config this thinkpad r61i

k well i need to buy a laptop like now since classes start back up in a few weeks

well my budget is less than $800 and only need my notebook to write papers for school, search the net, pick up wireless internet, and maybe play on facebook, and be able to take to school and around

is this a fine set up? Thinkpad r61i

Intel Core? 2 Duo processor T5250 (1.5GHz 667MHz 2MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
Glossy 15.4" WXGA
Intel GMA X3100, GM965, 1394, S-Video, PC Card/PCIe
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
80 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
CD-RW/DVD-ROM 24x/24x/24x/8x Max Combo Ultrabay Enhanced
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG
6 cell Li-Ion Battery ( 2.4 Ah )
8932: 1Year Express Warranty

for $658 after the coupon discount was added.. should i upgrade anything to it?

is 1gb ram fine for school use or should i get 2gb, and if so is it cheaper n easy to do your self?


Whats the difference between vista basic and premium, like what would i notice if i had two thinkpad and one had basic n one had premium?

is the 1.5ghz processor ok, and would i notice much of a difference if i upgraded to the 1.6?

 

I'd see if XP is available, but Vista Basic may be similar in performance. For your needs, 1.5ghz is fine. The main differences between Home Basic and Home Premium is that Vista Basic doesn't include Aero, and several multimedia tools. As for upgrading, 2gb is great, since about 32-128mb of ram will go to the x3100.

 

Do you have a need for the 15.4"? The 15.4" R61s are built with a few less high-quality material (i.e. ABS plastic for the cover). Still rugged, but nonetheless "inferior" to the other ThinkPads.

Given Vista's slowness, I would budget for at least 2GB. When I used 1GB, startup was incredibly slow. 1GB will be fine for word docs, but things will run a bit slower.

b.a.m.f. covered the differences between the Vista versions pretty well, so I'll leave that untouched.

I would doubt your noticing the difference. The T5250 is ample for what you're doing.

I would suggest getting 1GB in a 1 DIMM configuration so you can upgrade to more when you have the time. I would also suggest a DVD burner. Other than that, it looks good to go!

Hope you enjoy whatever you get.