T400 Customization Question

Hey everyone, I'm new to the forums here, and I have a few questions regarding the T400.

I keep seeing the option of downgrading to Windows XP along with the Vista Business OS. Currently I have a PC with Windows XP home edition along with Microsoft Word. If I'm not mistaken, these documents should still work with Windows Vista Business. So should I be concerned with getting the downgrade option?
Is there a benefit to downgrading?
What's the benefit/consequences of getting Vista Business 64?

2nd. I am most likely getting the 9 cell battery, and after reading reviews that the battery lasts 9+ hrs, I'm considering getting the T9400 processor instead of the P8600. Is there a huge difference witnessed between the 2 processors. I'm mainly doing web surfing, typing up documents, and basic computer games which does NOT include Call of Duty 4 and similar titles.

3rd. What do you think of "Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache" Does it make a big difference in start up times, and opening programs?

Lastly, i'm assuming the intel wifi link 5300 is the best wireless card that's offered for the T400. Correct me if i'm wrong.

Thank you for the help in advance.

 

XP and Vista have nothing really to do with your documents. That would be more docx vs doc (docx is a form that can be used in 2007 and nobody should be using this format !). Have you ever used Vista? Do you have any reasons for strongly sticking with XP? This is really a large discussion that can't be answered in a forum post...but if you are a basic user just any Vista should be fine. You would only downgrade to XP if you have specific needs to do so. I think the P8600 or even 8400 is fine. Both are very fast and for your needs will be fine. You don't need to upgrade. Computer gaming is really more of a question of graphics power now-a-days. Tubro memory is pretty pointless at the moment but that is up to you. The 5300 is the best and it has the most number of antennas of the cards offered which should = better signal strength, range, and thoroughput (hopefully ).

 

"I'm mainly doing web surfing, typing up documents, and basic computer games which does NOT include Call of Duty 4 and similar titles."

If you are doing basic tasks, why do you need a Lenovo T400 and why do you want the higher CPU processing power which you do not need. You sound like you are buying way too much machine for your needs.

 

Thanks for the help.

I'm going with the T400 because I want to buy a laptop that will last for a while. I don't want to buy another laptop 4 yrs from now because mine is beginning to be obsolete.

I will also take the laptop overseas and maybe once in a while demand some more processor power. I may need to use AutoCAD or other programs that require more processor speed. I know these most of the new core 2 duo processors have plenty of power but I'm the kind of person that wants the best available components in a system without going overboard on pricin

I was going to buy a HP Elitebook 6930p but they still do not allow you to configure the laptop to your own specifications. I'm also skeptical about the elitebook because it's HP's first gen attempt at a rugged laptop with todays technology. The Lenovo T400 is more reliable, and the has proven it's quality over the years as I have read.

I was also wondering if I should go for the Vista Ultimate, since it includes Vista Business. I want to be able to use the windows media center with other devices in my house.

Thanks

 

This is nearly impossible. Technology is all about planned obsolescence. If you don’t plan on making any changes to how you use the notebook or the software you use, and will never want faster speeds, this is the only way you’re going to get the notebook to last four years.

Vista Home Premium also has this feature, but it does not have the BitLocker encryption and some other things that are in Ultimate.

 

Well if you are going to do CAD that completely changes the whole "basic needs"...and if you want Vista Ultimate then go for it.

 

Well I'm going to use CAD very rarely, but when I do, I want to have a system capable of handling such a program.

 

Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W1
Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate12
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera
ATI Mobility Radeon 3470 with 256MB
3 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)8
250 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm4
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)5
Note WLAN10
9 cell Li-Ion Battery60
2764: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

Price: $1,412

This is the setup I believe I'll get. The price includes the labor day special and the student discount as well. This sure beats HP's offer, and quality.