How is this config for a T61p?

Hi Folks, I'm looking into ordering a T61p for my dad, his last Thinkpad was the model A20p back in the IBM days so he thinks Thinkpads are the bomb!
Anyway I put together this config from Lenovo's site and I thought I'd ask what you think of it. I will add ram from newegg and I'll probably swap out the HD for him also. No need for the finger print reader so I omitted it. He has a Vista Home premium upgrade disc so I just chose Vista basic. My biggest concern is with the warranty, do you think it's ok to go with the depot service? I'm not crazy about third party techs coming out to fix a laptop in case something happens. Is Lenovo good with turn around time when a repair is needed? Here are the specs, let me know if you would change anything:

Thinkpad T61p
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo processor T9300 (2.5GHz 800MHz 6MBL2)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic
14.1 SXGA+ TFT
NVIDIA Quadro FX 570M (128MB Open GL)
1 GB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
80GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim
Intel Wireless WiFi Link 4965AGN (supporting Centrino Pro)
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
8891: Express - 1 Yr Depot Warranty

 

That is a lot of horsepower does your dad need that much? If he doesn't play games or gpu intensive apps I might just go with the regular T61 it will get better battery life and generate less heat. Otherwise it looks like a smokin machine.

 

Well no not really but he keeps his computers for years and I figured he might as well be as future proofed as possible. Also the Penryn chips are supposed to provide better battery life and considering he would get the 6 cell battery it might help in that department. He was wondering if he should extend the warranty but he's never had to use his extended warranty so he feels it's a waste.

 

I'd have to agree with the above poster. You'd be paying a premium for something you'll never use. Penryn might offer a bit better battery life, but I doubt it's anything substantially better. The dedicated GPU on the P model will probably offset any gains you get by going with Penryn since dedicated cards use more juice than the integrated Intel cards. In five years any laptop you buy now is going to be slow regardless of whether it's a Merom or Penryn. That's just the nature of computers.

A 7200RPM drive offers a nice performance boost though you can probably buy one for what Lenovo charges for the upgrade.

As for the warranty, I hear hit and miss on the Depot warranty. It's kind of a hard question to answer. I usually don't get it cause I can wait if it takes a month. I guess if it's his only computer maybe on-site would be worth it.