Hi Vince,
My understanding of the laptop situation in Thailand.
Only users who deal with a lot of number crunching, mainly managers, have historically been provided with a more powerful laptop.
Prior to now the normal user has been supplied with a 3000 series laptop.
The difference between the E6440 and the E5440 is approx. US$130 PA
Their request is that they continue to provide the E6440 when it is for higher end users as it is a familiar and proven configuration for them and the cost difference is minimal.