It is hot compared to other laptop somewhere else, but it is warm compared to what IBM has floated at its ebay store like:
* Thinkpad T model with similar configuration w/o ethernet for $1249 (5.5lbs!)
* Thinkpad A model with similar configuration w/o ethernet for $949
The thinkpad you mention has been there since yesterday, only five unit sold so far. Computer sales have slowed; so manufacturers would try their best to clear their stock, not to mention that these thinkpad models are not in production anymore. So, I'd say wait for a better deal.
Cheers.