You can visit official SWG forums, you don't have to be play the game to read them. Also, there is an SWG section here:
http://swg.allakhazam.com/
There are many things happening: removal of Apprenticeship points requirement, revamping of Civil War rules (TEF should go away), discussions on combat system revamp. It's all there.
I would gladly go back to SWG if I was not busy with WoW. Not enough time to play both and WoW is still holding my attention.
I know that SWG runs very well even on older laptops. I have JTL but never tried it on laptop. Maybe one day on my new lappie (see sig) :headbang: