13 MBP- which upgrades for XP with Parallels

[soromak]

Hello,
I am a long time reader of this forum and finally decided to join as I am going to get my first 13MBP. I will use it for e-mail, internet, writing papers, Matlab and SPSS and also want to run WinXP in Parallels to use scientific software.
I only consider 13MBP as 15 is to big for me therefore would be glad for the advice which one to get.
I was thinking about following options:
a) high-end stock 2.66
b) low-end 2.4 with 128SSD
c) low-end 2.4 with 8GB RAM
or any other possibility?
Please advice.

 

[stridemat]

For running virtual machines I would say get more RAM, as this allows both operating systems to work effectively.

Edit* Generally buy the highest spec processor Mac you can, and then upgrade the other parts after.

 

[soromak]

For running virtual machines I would say get more RAM, as this allows both operating systems to work effectively.

Edit* Generally buy the highest spec processor Mac you can, and then upgrade the other parts after.

It is 200GBP difference in the UK. I am not sure if it is worth to spend those money for 70GB more in the hard drive and 0.26 Ghz faster processor.
Upgrade with EDU discount to 8GB RAM is 240GBP and to 128GB SSD is similar....