Configuring a T400

I'm working through configuring the perfect T400, and I have a couple of questions:

1. I'm looking to choose between the P8600 and T9400 processors. The difference in cost is only about $40, but I'm trying to determine if the performance boost from the T9400 would be worth that and the extra 10W of power consumed and heat produced. What are everyone's opinions on this?
2. I'm getting Vista Business 64. They also offer an XP Pro recovery DVD. Does that mean that I would be licensed for both and could switch back and forth between the two?
3. Does anyone find any of the docking options useful for the T400? I could see where a port replicator would come in handy to reduce all your desktop connnects/disconnects to one USB plug, but what about the mini docks?
4. I've probably connected a laptop to my television only once, ever. Therefore, that functionality isn't that important to me. That said, if I were to opt for the T400 and forego the DisplayPort of the T500, is it still fairly simple to connect to a television using the T400's VGA port and audio cables?

 

Get the P8400, unless you have a specific need.

It's my understanding they are interchangeable, but I've been wrong before. If you use the recovery discs, they're already activated.

I find the dock quite useful. The Mini-Dock comes with it's own adapter, which makes it worth the extra $$$ in my opinion. You can probably get one here, eBay or ThinkPads.com for around $100, if you don't mind used.

 

Would you consider heavy .NET development and running virtual machines particularly indicative of such a need? Please see the fourth question added to original post as well.

Also, did you ever happen to do any sort of review on your R60? I'd be interested to read your views on it, as it is similarly specced.

 

I don't know what's involved with heavy .NET development and running virtual machines. It would be difficult for me to say. I thought virtual machines required lots of memory, but if it's very CPU intensive then perhaps it's worth it. My own personal philosophy on buying CPU is the get the slowest of the newest CPUs. That way you get all the newer tech without paying a premium for a modest performance bump. I mostly run in low power mode and they all downclock to the the same speed anyway.

Yes, you can use the VGA to connect to a TV if it has a VGA connector. You can get the dock for the T400, which will get you DVI. DVI is HDMI without sound.

Yes I did write a R60 Review.

 

The biggest advantage of a dock is if you have a home base. You can just drop your laptop into the dock and connect all of the following instantly.

External Display (up to a 30" 2560x1600 monitor via DVI/DisplayPort)
2nd External Display (via VGA, will disable T400 built in display)
External keyboard/mouse
External Speakers
Gigabit Ethernet
USB Hard Drives, Printers, etc.

If you frequently use your computer at a desk with these addons, a dock is very valuable. However, if you mostly use your laptop on its own and/or have a dedicated desktop (like I do), then a dock is of limited use.