Thinkpad T400 checkout

The laptop i want to buy is the Lenovo ThinkPad T400 -
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor P8600 (2.40GHz 1066MHz 3MBL2) 25W
Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 64
14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight, Camera
Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 4500MHD with vPro
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM)
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
160 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD Recordable 8x Max Dual Layer, Ultrabay Slim (Serial ATA)
No Bluetooth
Intel WiFi Link 5100 (AGN) with My WiFi Technology
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
6 cell Li-Ion Battery
7417: 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller

im using the online coupon code for 15% off to get this at $721.65, with tax and (free) shipping it comes to $800.01

i had several things I had a hard deciding so I have a few questions
Do know of any disadvantages of getting 64 bit windows 7 over 32bit?
In the future i will be upgrading to 4GB of RAM though cause it will probably be cheaper instead of buying it on the website
also I was wondering what your experiences were with 5400 rpm harddrives vs 7200rpm ones (are they much faster? but at what cost, heat, noise, less battery life, etc.)
other more unimportant things I was curious about are the intel wifi link 5100 vs the 5300

how much more unstylish is the 9cell battery compared to the 6 cell?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3232/2774790879_83011a1d6a_b.jpg
9 cell: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2385/2871886845_4f542e47e1_o.jpg

most of these things ive looked up online and have seen several viewpoints but i was just basically wondering your own personal opinions on these subjects and whether or not you think it is a good or bad deal. Thanks

 

if you're going for 4gb ram definitely get 64bit

 

For general usage 64 bit isn't markedly better than 32 bit. There are some uses, particularly where you need more than 3GB of memory, where 64 bit makes a difference, but if you're just doing Office, Media or Internet, those are not it.

7200RPM drive do offer a uptick in performance and in my experience, my first 7200RPM drive was the 7k40, are no better or worse than 5400RPM in terms of heat, noise or battery life. They do cost a bit more. It's probably more dependent on the drive itself than any generalizations you can make about 7200RPM vs 5400RPM drives.

I'd say if you're getting a ThinkPad, style is low on your list. I happen to like their simple, elegant and timeless design, but others do not. If you need the battery life then get the nine-cell and who cares if it sticks out the back. I myself opted for the six-cell not because then nine-cell sticks out the back, but because I wanted to keep the weight down and I do not need a lot of battery life.