Why should I choose a E6400 over a Lenovo T400?

I'm a graduate student about to start a master's program in a field of engineering. I need something that is sturdy, dependable, non-intrusive, quiet, cool (temperature), light and compact. This is why I'm interested in the T400 and E6400.

 

For around $750 (incl. tax) this is the T400 I want to get:

 

P8400

2gb, 1DIMM ram

250gb hdd

14.1 LED WXGA w/camera

CDRW/DVDROM

Intel 5300 Wifi

Intel graphics

Media card reader

6-cell battery

Vista basic (will buy vista ultimate and upgrade with student discount)

1-year warranty

 

For less, I can get this refurb'd E6400:

 

P8700

2gb, 1DIMM ram DDR2

160 gb HDD, 7200rpm

14.1 WXGA+ LED backlit

Intel 5300

Intel graphics

Vista business

6-cell battery

DVD/RW

3 year warranty

 

I'm really torn between the two. I like the T400 for its understated design, rubberized outer surface, and rollcage. I like the Dell for its value and offering more features (and better ones) than the Thinkpad for less. 

 

I havn't been able to see them or try them in person I and probably won't be able to.

 

So I'd like to here from owners why they prefer their E6400 over other notebooks, and if you're tried both I'd like to hear about your experiences. 

 

Thanks.