Seeking feedback from IBM T40/T41 notebook owners

I'm strongly considering buying an IBM T41 series notebook (<A HREF="http://https://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=1&productId=8665638&langId=-1&dualCurrId=73" target="_new">type 2379DJU</A> ). From the feedback I've gathered on the web in the past few weeks, I've found the most/highest recommendations for Toshiba and IBM, "decent" reviews usually for Dell (minus their apparently abysmal tech support lately and less-sturdy design), and that most people frown on notebooks from companies such as Compaq, HP, etc (which from my past experience with those companies, I'd have to agree). I was also considering the Acer TravelMate 803 LCi (excellent specs), though its too-hot left palmrest and apparently terrible support/service made me reconsider. Also, I ruled out Toshiba only because I don't like their XGA-only screens.

Anyhow though... I have a few questions I'm hoping I can get feedback on from current IBM T40/T41 owners, since I've never actually "seen" an IBM notebook up close myself (no stores in my area seem to carry them).

1) The quality of the screen is very important to me. The notebook will be used for graphic design work (as well as audio recording) while I'm away from my home office. I've selected IBM's "14.1 inch SXGA+ (1400x1050) TFT Display" which appears to be the best they offer... if possible, can I get some feedback on the quality of this screen? Perhaps a comparison to a more-common-in-stores notebook would be best if possible (i.e. I like the SXGA screens on: the Fujitsu LifeBooks, Sony GRT 16" series, Acer TravelMate 800 series, etc).
I've also heard rumors of more people than average getting a number of dead pixels on their screens from IBM... is that rumor accurate and/or still applicable?

2) Noise level. Since I can't check for myself... is the IBM T41 quiet? I know it ought to be pretty quiet due to the Pentium-M processor, though you never know hehe (could be a bad fan choice, loud drive, etc).

3) Heat. Any bad hot-spots I should know about (i.e. hot palmrest, too hot to place on lap, etc)?

4) How's the support/service? My brother just had a nightmare of a time with his Fujitsu LifeBook (purchased at Frys Electronics - they said 6-8 weeks to fix a faulty LCD) and I'm really feeling an urge for top of the line service for my own purchase at this point haha
If I needed to send it to the service depot, about how long would it usually take?

The specs for the <A HREF="http://https://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=-840&storeId=1&productId=8665638&langId=-1&dualCurrId=73" target="_new">IBM T41</A> system I customized include:
Windows XP Pro, 14.1" SXGA+ (1400x1050), Pentium M 1.6GHz, 256MB RAM (plan to buy additional 512MB more cheaply through Crucial), 40GB 5400rpm, CD-RW/DVD-ROM Combo Drive, Warranty Upgrade (3 year onsite)
Price -- $2058 + tax

Anyhow, thanks in advance for your help and suggestions. Oh and of course, if you happen to know of any other excellent notebooks that closely match the specs I need, feel free to mention them.

Peace.

-- David
<A HREF="http://www.Photoshop-Tips.com" target="_new">Photoshop-Tips.com</A>