755CX questions

[phr@netcom.com (Paul Rubin)]

There's just been a big price drop on Thinkpad stuff; the
755CE is discontinued but I found a (sleazy sounding) NY dealer
selling 8/540 units for $2999!  The 755CX 8/540 with Li battery,
SVGA, and DSP is $4849 from IBM direct and $4655 by mail order.
I had thought a 755CX was too rich for my blood; it really still
is, but I'm seriously tempted!  A couple questions:

1) Do they manage to make regular text mode fill the whole screen?
2) What about standard VGA?
3) Is there a Linux X server that uses the 800x600 mode?
4) Any idea how expensive NiMH batteries are (does it use the
   same packs as other 755's?)  Spare Li packs are $308, which
   is scary!
5) Of course it is axiomatic that laptops get better and cheaper
   very rapidly; but I'm wondering, what is on the horizon that can
   make the 755cx obsolete?  The 760 will be faster and have a bigger
   display, but does anyone know if the display will be higher resolution?

Any idea what other models are coming in the next few months?
I plan to buy my next machine by 12/31 for sure, for tax reasons;
but would prefer to buy now if I can get rid of my present machine
(Samsung Sens 700, dx4/75 12/540 dual scan, asking around $2k, anyone
want it?).