SSD swap with HDD , or HDD + mSata SSD?

i recently ordered a y580 from lenovo, and it only has a slow 5400rpm HDD. I've never had an SSD before but from what I've read the difference is night and day. My question is should I:

1. swap out the HDD with an SSD (would like somewhere around 256GB, 240 to 256 are usually what i found) and use the HDD as an external with USB 3.0 enclosure.

2. OR i could just install an mSata SSD and keep the HDD in its place.

Cons #1: having an external HDD with a big enclosure (assuming is big ) wont really be portable?

Pros #1 / Cons #2 : does an SSD have better speeds, reliabilty . .. in general is it better than an mSata SSD?

Pros #2 : even though i won't have as fast speeds ( i think ), at least i won't have to lug around a big external

Here are a couple mSata SSD i found (sry couldnt fit in one compare tab):
Newegg.ca - Computer Hardware, Hard Drives, SSD, 129GB - 256GB, msata

and here are a couple SSDs I think would b good: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 227-715-TS and http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Produ [...] 211-597-TS


I would really apreciate any help wince my laptop will most likely be arriving soon ( this week i hope) and i would really like to improve it's overall speed

 

You could actually slap the original HDD into the optical bay via a caddy.

The two links for the SSDs didn't pull anything up for me, but as far as the competition goes, the Samsung 830 and 840, as well as the Crucial m4 are the top contenders for SSDs.

 

I'd pop in a mSata and keep the internal HDD for storage... mSata's are really fast as well, I installed a Crucial m4 256GB mSATA SDD in my Asus and installed the OS on it, and it is night and day difference from using the internal HDD.... in benchmarks it's in the same ballpark of regular size SSD's, and for daily use and OS performance, you'll never be able to tell the difference. This scenario gives you fantastic performance and still have the HDD for storage.

A 2.5" SDD would be a good choice too to replace the HDD but you won't have the storage space unless you are willing to spend the extra for a 512GB.

I'd definitely do one or the other though, you won't believe the difference in response and snapiness going from the 5400rpm HDD.

Good luck!

 

tyvm be77solo i am now convinced that an mSata is a good idea and ty for the fast response. will order an mSata today most likely the crucual m4

 

I've been very happy with mine, I think you'll love it... I honestly can't tell any difference in the same laptop between the Crucial m4 mSATA and the Samsung 840 Pro 2.5" in normal stuff other than benchmarks. Enjoy!