Err.. no you can't get it in 1280x800 native, you can enable it but it is not the native res (1440x900). For the screens it is all about the native res and in the case of the laptop at the top it is pretty low. Which I was stating is probably a reason as to why it is cheaper.
If it turns out the laptop has a maximum screen-res of 1280 by 800 then it will look pretty nasty, which is why i suggested he try and get a look at one of these things before slapping down the cash.