Okay, so the T7500 is a fast "middle of the range" CPU, like most graphics cards I go for. I don't see the point in doubling the cost just to get 10% extra speed.
Well the laptop I have is expensive not because of the processor, but because it uses high tech materials like carbon fiber (which makes it really light), has an amazing screen, and is all-around a premium engineered laptop (5-6 hour battery life, etc.) But it's a premium ultraportable laptop, so understandably it costs a lot.
The CPU actually isn't a huge difference, maybe at most ~$100 extra to get a T9500 over a T7500.
Anyway, there are many different types of laptops, for many different markets. Personally I prefer the premium quality laptops with high-tech engineering, but that's mainly because I don't upgrade that often (and don't need to, with a good laptop). But for someone who wants to pay as little as possible, the Acer you got should be a really good laptop.
And I'm a big beleiver in not using powerful PC's for games development, you should use the same platform you expect the player to be running.
I agree. However, even if you use a fairly powerful PC now to develop your game, and it takes a year to finish it, by the time you're done your PC will probably be average speed.