I am trying to build a universial image for different Dell Latitude model laptops. I have been strugglling to figure out the best case here for me.

1) In order to build a new image master, should I be using DP slip streaming into my WinXP sp3 disk?
      a) does this make an impact on the cab file, both on the CD and/or the HDD windows folder?
      b) will this work across multiple machines with different HW specs?
      c) will have still have to edit the sysprep.inf file? (which I am trying to avoid)

2) Is there any reason why I would perfer to have DP slip streamed on an XP disk? (as opposed to somehow getting DP to work with sysprep?)

3) What is the difference between M1 and M2 in the DP base?

I am sure I will have more questions, I am just really confused with all of the different postings that relate to this.
Please Help!