Debian Lenny on a T60 6371-6NU

In case you can't decode the Thinkpad model number above, here are the specs (I've left out modem, infrared, cardbus since I haven't ever used them):

Processor	Intel Core 2 Duo (Merom) 1.83GHz
Graphics Adaptor	Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Display	15.4" TFT display with 1200x800 resolution (widescreen)
RAM	1 GB PC2-5300 (upgraded to 2GB)
Harddisk	120GB 5400 RPM Hitatchi HTS54161
Audio	AD1981HD HD Audio 1.0 controller
Ethernet	82573L Gigabit Ethernet Controller
Optical	LG-Hitatchi HL-DT-ST DVDRAM GSA-4083N Dual Layer DVD+/-RW
Wireless	Atheros AR5418
Biometric	STMicroelectronics Fingerprint Reader

I'm going to do everything in Linux (i.e. assume that you already have a running linux version running somewhere else).

Installation

First of all, get the "businesscard" cd image for amd64 if you want to run 64 bit or i386 if you want 32 bit. Note however that going 64 bit no longer means you have to forgoe proprietary software like flash or java. See this article on the "debian adminstration" blog. If you do however go 64 bit you won't be able to use proprietary 32 bit modules in your kernel. Most notably, ndiswrapper won't work with 32-bit windows drivers.
Burn the cd image to a cd with the command
cdrecord -v debian-testing-amd64-businesscard.iso
You may find that you need to add dev=/dev/cdrom (or whatever your burning device is) to the above command.
Now stick in the newly burned disc and reboot. Just follow the instructions and when it gets to asking you what software to install select nothing (we'll do that manually later). If however you want to be more comprehensive than streamlined, you should go with the "Desktop", "Laptop", and "Standard System" software classes.

to be continued . . .