"Macbook Pro 17-inch" OR "15-inch 2.0Ghz + 23-inch display" ?

I'm ready to upgrade my iMac G4 and would like to change to a Macbook Pro. The decision i'm working on making is whether to invest in the 17-inch MBP or go for the 15-inch + 23-inch display. Both options cost about the same.
The combination of laptop and display creates the flexibility of working on a large desktop display at home and bringing the laptop with me when I travel.
The 17-inch brings the higher performance. Perhaps the 17-inch display is plenty of screen space for working at home (I've been working with a 17-inch screen on my G4 iMac for several years)
I would describe my use of the system as "home use" -> internet, email, iTunes, photo library/editing/I'm thinking about upgrading from iPhoto to Photoshop, video storage/I've done very little video editing but may start with Final Cut Express,
I'd very much appreciate any comments and advice from anyone who can make suggestions about which of these systems would be best for my needs.
Some additional questions about the MBP + Cinema Display combination:
Is it a good idea to run the MacBook Pro 15-inch connected to a 23-inch Apple display? I realize the Apple displays are targeted at Mac Pro users. Would i get the full benefit of the display performance if I'm driving it with a Macbook Pro? Is it convenient to "dock" and "un-dock" the MBP from the display? Besides the Bookendz product is there any expectation that Apple will produce a docking station to connect the MBPs to the displays?

If you plan on using it mainly at home, I would get the 15" and external display. That's what I done. It's been working out great. You don't need a docking station either. Everything is easy to attach and unattach,
-Bmer
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