Displays and HD dilemmas

[delenca]

Currently trying to decide whether to buy T400 or T400s or a Mac Book Pro 15.

I would love to test them first hand (i.e. check out a T400 or T400s in person) but it's pretty hard to find a retailer that carries them around my area (CT).

So, would love to hear some opinions, user reviews of these display options:

- T400 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight
- T400 14.1 WXGA TFT High Nit, w/ LED Backlight
- T400s 14.1 WXGA+ TFT, w/ LED Backlight

I have read a lot of mixed opinions on these displays. I want some decent contrast and it would be a nice perk if they were bright enough to allow for work outdoors (but hate to sacrifice contrast, higher resolution of XGA+).

Regarding hard-drives, I lust after SSD, but what's the smarter choice here?
- Buy a basic 5400 or 7200 RPM drive with the T400 or T400s and then upgrade to the Samsung 256GB SSD as they drop in price/become more available? HOw easy is it to replace HDs on these models?
- Or just go ahead and buy with the 128 GB SSD option pre-installed? HOw well rated are the 128GB SSD drives currently being offered as options on the T400 / T400s?

Finally, it seems I really should be holding my horses for a couple of months since new models are just around the corner. How much of a price drop on the T400 and T400s would you expect when the T410 / T410s are announced?

Thanks for any advice.
-Alex