IBM THINKPAD T22 P3-1GHZ 32GB 128MB 14-TFT 8MB 8X-DVD 56K ENET INTEL 98

WHAT'S HOT: Like its T20 and T21 predecessors, the ThinkPad T22 boasts a 14.1-inch, high-resolution screen and weighs only about 5.5 pounds--a dynamite combination of generous screen size and light weight. When you swap the internal 8X DVD-ROM drive that is included with this configuration for a hollow travel bezel from CompuLock ($20), the T22 tips the scales at less than 5 pounds. The internal bay can hold any one of six other devices, including the bundled floppy drive, a second battery, or even a second hard drive.

The T series laptops include all legacy connections and great built-in sound with handy volume controls. IBM's ThinkLight, a small LED mounted on the screen frame, lets you see the keyboard more easily in dark rooms. The notebook's UltraPort, located atop the screen under a rubber plug, accepts any of four small, extra-cost devices sold by IBM: a basic digital camera, a compact memory card reader, an infrared port, or a digital microphone. The microphone is $199; the other three accessories are priced at less than $100 each.

WHAT'S NOT: At $3251 the T22 is expensive, even for a 1-GHz laptop. And some things that you might expect to get for that price cost extra: A parallel port cable for attaching the floppy drive externally costs an additional $49, and free technical support ends after three years. Printed documentation consists of one slim troubleshooting manual, but electronic documentation is available as well.