T400 Processor/Display/HD options for Adobe CS3 applications

I'm new to laptops. I go back and forth between home and the city often. In the past I've had desktops at both places, but instead of upgrading the "pied-a-terre" desktop, I'm going to opt for a good laptop.

I'm strongly considering purchasing a Lenovo T400 with a discrete graphics card. Main uses (in addition to e-mail, Internet, Office applications) would be Adobe CS3 Premium Web Suite (Dreamweaver, Flash, Flash video encoder, Photoshop, Illustrator, Bridge), Sony Sound Forge audio editing, and (maybe) some simple Avid Xpress video editing. I would usually have external monitors available in both destinations, but would like to be able to use it "self-contained" in other places.

I don't really know about the best choices among the various processor, display type and HD options available.

Processors: Is the P8600 processor "fast enough?" Is the T9400 upgrade worth it? Is there a huge trade-off in noise/battery life?

Display: What's the difference between LED backlight, CCFL backlight, High Nit w/LED backlight? Would someone mind either explaining the options or point me somewhere that explains this? (I've searched but haven't found it yet.) I'll look at the differences in WXGA and WXGA+ at a computer store.

Hard Drive: Is 160 GB adequate for running system and programs? Is difference between 5400 rpm and 7200 rpm significant? Are 7200 rpm laptop drives noisy? Is my best bet the 250 GB 7200 rpm?

I'm planning on running Windows XP and opting for the 4GB (2 DIMM) RAM. Does that seem sensible?

I would appreciate input/advice. I guess I should also ask whether the T400 is likely to suit me well for my intended uses. (If this better belongs in the Help me decide what laptop to get forum, please let me know that as well.)

Algis

 

Unless you're planning on running your CPU at 100% 24/7, get the P processor. It'll offer you better battery life.

The best ThinkPad display is the X200t AFFS screen. Second choice would be the T500 WSXGA+. The WSXGA+ LCDs don't offer the viewing anlges of the X200t, but have good contrast and decent angles. There's two screens, a LG and a Samsung I believe. I've seen a couple of them and thought they were pretty decent by today's standards. I'm not sure which I saw.

Get the smallest hard drive and memory, and then upgrade them yourself. XP can only use 3GB of memory. Don't waste your money getting more. The fastest mechanical drive right now is the Seagate 7200.4. It comes in 250, 320 and 500GB sizes. I guess it would depend on how much space you need. If you want a real kick in the pants, SSDs offer very good performance, but limited capacity and are expensive per GB.