2.8 GHz T400 vs. slower ones

[pleumann]

Is there a good reason to not buy a T9600 2.8 GHz T400 when it comes with all extras included (UMTS, ...) and is still cheaper than its T8700 2.53 GHz counterpart? Is the fan running all the time because of the high clock frequency? Does the chipset have some other disadvantage?

[FTC]

Hi, yes, the basic problem of a T9600 is that it dissipates 10watts more than almost any 'Pxxxx' processor. This translates to heat AND shorter battry life. T400 are quite cool machines, so they can cope with the heat, but the temperature will be higher. The ideal processor for this machines would be a P9700 if you can find one.. same speed and big L2 cache, but low dissipation... (beware I have not verified that the T400 Bios supports it, but it should)
In any case, most C2D processors are 'fast enough' for almost anything... so don't become too crazy about speed.

[pleumann]

Thanks for the response. That's what I suspected. I think I'll skip this offer and either wait until the "old" 2.53 GHz T400 machines are available at closeout prices (in Germany, where current prices are nowhere near U.S. offers plus all those coupons) or get one of the new Tx10 machines.

[LegendaryKA8]

In response, it looks like the P9700 will work in the T400, as per a post in this link(warning, link has pics):

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=398705

That's pretty tempting. If only I didn't have a factory warranty on mine... haha.