Lenovo W510 Owner's Thread

Thought I'd start a thread for the new W510.

Here's that I have on order:

• Intel Quad Core Processor i7 820QM (1.73GHz 1066MHz 8MBL3)
• 4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) - I will be replacing this with RAM I buy online (cheaper)
• 15.6" FHD Display (95% Gamut) with LED Backlight and Multi Touch Screen
• NVIDIA NVS 5100m (FX-880M??!)
• 500GB 7200RPM - I will replace this with an OCZ Vertex Turbo 120GB
• 9 cell Li-Ion Battery
• Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
• Integrated Mobile Broadband (Gobi 2000 3G with GPS)

Accessories:

• 6 cell Li-Ion Battery (51J0499)
• Slice Battery (57Y4545)
• Ultrabay SATA adapter (500GB drive above goes here)

Order date: 1/11/2010
Delivery date: 2/16/2010

Price: $2,489.00 (doesn't include extended warrantee or accessories)

 

Here's my config!

Intel Quad Core i7-720QM
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" FHD LED w/WW Ant
nVidia FX-880M
UltraNavFPR for Color Sensor
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (2 DIMM)
500GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable, Ultrabay Enhanced
9cell, LI Battery TWSL
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
Port Replicator / Docking Station
1 Year Depot/Express Warranty

$1670.44 CDN

I didn't buy the warranty yet, as I couldn't see it online, but I have 90 days to purchase it for that price from the time I get the laptop.

 

Do you know what "UltraNavFPR for Color Sensor" is?

 

It is a color calibrating tool that makes adjustments to the monitor while your laptop screen is closed. I think it does it 4 times a month or something like that...

 

LYuan,

Does your order actually say FX-880m? Also, when did you order it?

 

are you upgrading to 16gb? or just adding 8 gig to give a total of 12gb?
I am considering this laptop since i am not happy with my envy but if it has the cpu multiplyer locked when on battery I won't be getting it. plus I am kinda holding out for the w710 or some 17in equivalent.

 

I'm going to 8GB, but with 1333 RAM in the 4GBx2 config. I may opt to upgrade to 16 after that, depending on how well VMware runs on the platform.

The fast RAM is silly-expensive.

The RAM that comes with the machine is headed for the junk drawer.

Only way I know to be sure you can mod the multiplier is on the extreme i7-920XM CPU's. Not worth the extra $550 from the 820, IMO.

 

It's likely a Pantone sensor with some flavor of the HEUYPro software.

 

Yes, both on the web site, and my invoice.

 

Uh, only option on all flavors of the W510 is the NVS 5100M. On the Canadian site, it's called the "nVidia GLM DG 1GB"

Where exactly do you see this configuration option?

 

http://shoplenovo.i2.com/SEUILibrar...-category-id=66A14C04563E40139712F2C42B71AF59

It's listed on that page.

The rep told me that ALL W510's come with the FX880M

 

Sorry, still not seeing it. Only references to the FX-880M is on the overview page and in the Tabook. Your link doesn't have it either when you follow it through to the customization portion of the order process.

My order specifically calls out the part number for the NVS 5100M. Can you post the part number you have in your order?

60Y6084 SBB NVNVSXXXD.1GBDDR3W/INAMTCH
60Y8457 SBB NVINVS5100MDIG1GBDDR3ITPM

There's been tons of debate on this and I'm personally thinking the FX is the correct card, but I've yet to see hard proof. Calls to Lenovo in this matter have been inconclusive.

 

No matter how hard I tried to configure one like yours, the price's always over $1800, which already include student discounts. Did you get any discount? or your screen option is 15.6" FHD Display (95% Gamut, 270nit) with LED Backlight or not?

Thanks

 

That's what I am referring to. On the overview page, the FX-880M is the only card that is mentioned. That coupled with the fact that when I called to check this detail, and rep said "all W510s will ship with the FX-880M" is far from inconclusive to me. Actually, I have yet to see a W510 actually listed with the 5100M.

Also for my online invoice, I don't have any part numbers...

 

Looks like NBR already has a HP elite now with NVS 5100m. Guess we'll find out everything very soon.

 

Hope so. Confusion on a high-dollar item isn't good. I guess early adopters have to deal with it.

 

Hi,
I’m new to this forum and I don’t know that much about pc’s.
I’ve had a XPS M1710 since 2006 and it has given me only pure heartaches.
I need a mobile workstation that has high performance and I don’t care about looks and bling.

I’m a mechanical engineer student, so I use allot of the basic office tools and some of the Autodesk ACAD programs. I am also the occasional gamer and this means, that I need a laptop that includes a discreet video card.

My questions to you guys are are:

A. If I buy a laptop should I get it with a 32 bit Microsoft OS or 64 bit, yet its hardware can support 64 bit? I can then install the 64 bit when more programs are compatible to the 64 bit system.
B. Which brand of laptop is recommended for this kind of usage?
C. Is it worth is buying the LENOVO W510 after that stunt that Lenovo has pulled on his website?

D. Is it smart buying a laptop with nvidia graphics card while it is proven that some of the cards have bad packaging material?
The whole story of the XPS M1710 is based on this fact and I have experienced it firsthand. Isn’t this why Dell is now using ATI graphic cards?

E. Is it worth it paying $200 more for the i7 820 QM CPU instead of the i7 720QM?
I’m not sure if 3 seconds is worth the $200,-

I really need some help with this since I do not want to waste my money like I did with the cursed XPS M1710.

I think these Q‘s will A allot of people’s related Q’s .

So let the A’s rip!!!
Cheers,
JT

 

When I ask about the multiplier I am refering to the fact that most i7 laptops lock to the lfm speed of the processor. for a i7-720 that would be 933mhz and for a i7-820 it would be 1.2ghz.

This has been discussed on both the hp envy, and sony F11 threads.

I think I am just going to hold off on buying anything new until all this is figured out...

also I am not too sure so don't take my word for it but you might be better off buying the slower rated, cheaper, 1066 memory.

I remember an article that talked about the fact that the memory controller on chip already cuts the latency so you may not notice any performance (outside of large dynamic computational changes like a database).

also if you buy 1333 cas 9 memory it will be just marginally faster than 1066 cas 6. but feel free to do some research I am just trying to be helpfull and certainly don't remember the links to back up what I just said.

Also I have 12gb ram in my envy with a i7-720 and I can run the host os and 3 other boxes, two linux servers and an xp client and it screams...

Oh yeah I went with the cheaper 8 gig upgrade and kept the 4gb ram in my laptop for a total of 12gb...

 

At least put it up on eBay.

Get 64-bit. There's no real reason to stay with 32-bit anymore. Pretty much all 32-bit software works on a 64-bit OS. It is very difficult to upgrade to 64-bit later (there is no upgrade, so you must reinstall everything from scratch)

What stunt is that? All I've heard that they took them down for a bit when they were overwhelmed with orders.

The fact that nVidia has dealt with this once pretty much ensures they will never do it again. It has cost them many millions of dollars to replace all the bad chips, and if they ever did it again, all the OEMs would sue them out of existence.

 

x64 is the way to go. Drivers are the only thing that would normally cause you problems. Since they are factory installed, this shouldn't be a problem. If you are going to use CAD, the W series is one of the best. Only think you should think about is the screen size. The 15.6" is a step down from the 17" you have now.

I'm not a Lenovo fan-boy, at least not yet. I work in the IT industry and many the professionals I run across are. Lenovo's are almost legendary in their utilitarian design and industrial performance. HP is looking very good with their new line of EliteBooks too. I don't think you would go wrong either way.

The true reson the newly launched machines were pulled probably won't be known. I don't see why it would affect the quality of the machine or how good they are.

Choices otherwise are slim. I'm not sure that you mean by packing material, but I do think Nvidia has some work to do to regain trust. The chips currently shipping are effectively 3rd generation. Quality should be fine now.

The 820 will multitask better and has larger cache as well.

 

The "packing material" issue is what caused the nVidia failures. The epoxy they used to stabilize the chips on the chip mount had this nasty problem of turning soft/liquifying when it gets hot.

Since video chips get very hot, the epoxy would loosen and the only thing holding the chips to the board were the micro-solder joints. These joints are easily stressed from heat expansion and flexing of the laptop, causing them to lose contact or short out. As a result, the chips would fail.

You only get out of jail free on something like that once (if you're lucky). If nVidia ever made a mistake like that again, the OEMs would sue them into dust.

 

My ordered config (set for 2/19/10)

Intel Quad Core i7-820QM
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" FHD LED w/WW Ant
nVidia FX-880M
UltraNavFPR
2 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 (1 DIMM)
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
DVD Recordable, Ultrabay Enhanced
9cell battery
Integrated Bluetooth PAN
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300
3 Year Onsite warranty
Thinkpad Dock Plus 3 for Workstations
Sitting at $2237 w/ warranty and docking station via CPP.


Aftermarket changes:
Will buy 8GB PC3-1333 RAM (4x2GB) (+ $200)
160GB X25m-G2 is sitting in my closet
320GB 7200rpm drive it comes with is going in a 3rd party 12.7mm Ultrabay adapter (ordered, waiting for delivery) (+ $20)
Unsure if I'll stick with Pro or go to Ultimate...will reuse my TechNET license from the W500 I've sold.

 

On the RAM, are you sure you have that right? Does this laptop have 4 slots? Maybe you meant 2x4GB, but that significantly changes the price.

If the Windows license is OEM, you can't move it.

 

Yes, the W510 has four DIMM slots.

 

I totally agree with you. At the timings you listed, the lower CAS of 1033 RAM would likely neutralize any gains 1333 memory would give.

However, there are 2X2GB 1333 kits with timings of 7-7-7-20 and 2x2GB 1066 kits at 5-5-5-15. Corsair also has 2x4GB 1066 kits with 7-7-7-20 timings.

Anyway, the main reason I'm going for different RAM is cost.

Lenovo pricing on the configurator:
4 GB PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM 1067MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM)
4 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (1 DIMM) [add $240.00]
8 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (2 DIMM) [add $540.00]
16 GB PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM 1333MHz SODIMM Memory (4 DIMM) [add $1,270.00]

2x2GB 1066 CL5 kits run about $120; let's call 8GB $240
2x2GB 1333 CL7 kits run about $130; lets call 8GB $260
2x4GB 1066 CL7 kits run about $390; let's call 16GB $780

Since the Lenovo configurator limits your options on memory configs, chances are high that populating all 4 SO-DIMM slots with after market sticks will be cheaper, even with faster or lower latency RAM.

I'm flip-flopping between the options I listed above although the Kingston CL5 kits don't appear to be available anywhere right now.

 

Lenovo sells the 2X2GB for about 150, why not just get that?

I'm thinking to get a SSD whatever lenovo can offer. I can still hold my purchase for a couple of weeks. Any suggestions on a second HDD with low noise or vibration?

 

Did you read my post?

I'm a OCZ fan. The Vertex series is recommended for SSD.

 

Nice config. You will need to give us a review of the docking station.

 

On the nvidia site, the NVS5100 and FX-880M have exactly the same hardware specification, so they are probably the same.

nvs5100m: http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvs_techspecs.html
fx880: http://www.nvidia.com/page/quadrofx_go.html

 

Kind of. The Geforce, NVS and Quadro FX are all related, but they are different if only in BIOS makup, drivers, memory type and clock speed.

Here's a breakout I did a while back.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=43563&d=1263783827

I don't really care one way or another, just want to know which.

Once again, my order description shows the NVS part, not the FX one.

60Y6084 SBB NVNVSXXXD.1GBDDR3W/INAMTCH
60Y8457 SBB NVI NVS5100MDIG1GBDDR3ITPM

We've yet to see a part number definitively showing the 880M. If anybody has this in their order breakdown, please post.

 

Hey, could you show me how you got that price for the configuration? I also live in Canada but my amount with the same configuration came out to be around $2100.

 

Hey ,

Thanks allot for the fast reply.

I will go for the Lenovo w510. I dont have the bucks to get the i7 820 QM core.
I still think it is to expensive to pay 200 for for a small increase of spead.
I may be wrong , is there someone who has reseached this.

About the screen size, i will chose the HD screen which i think wil make up for the smaller size yet same resolution as that worthles XPS.

It is verry true that Nvidia has to prove himselve again and regain trust , yet is it only logical that they can not afford to pull that stunt again.

I still remain a bit dubious about the removal of the laptops on Lenovo's site.
But the whole package of the w510 is just right for me.

Any more advise is more than welcome.

Cheers

 

Yeah..Go to www.visaperks.ca

From there, choose 'lenovo' on the drop down menu on the left hand side...copy the coupon code there, and then click through to the lenovo website (don't just type www.lenovo.com). Price out your system, and add it to the cart. When you check out, paste the coupon code in where it tells you to, and click 'apply' and your price will automatically update.

L.

 

"Coupon not valid for current shopping cart."

It's the w510 of course. I chose to customize the one in the middle.

CAXVISAJAN10 was the coupon code on the visaperks.ca site


EDIT: Nevermind got it to work. Thanks!

 

Btw how good is this gpu? Are their any benchmarks for it yet?

 

How bad could it be? Seriously, workstation grade machine, optimized drivers.... Are you looking to play games? I don't think it will be horrible either way.

 

The NVS 5100/FX880M/330M are all related. Nobody has seen the 5100M or 880M yet, but there are some numbers for the 240M which is close to the 330M. You can expect similiar performance.

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-240M.17654.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-330M.22437.0.html

 

License is TechNET. 4x2GB sticks to fill the 4 slots of the W510

Also, I guess what I meant to say was DDR3-1333. Kind of confusing when 1333 is 10667, and DDR3-1067 is 8500.



No problem reviewing the dock. Given that I've had a docking station for every ThinkPad I've owned shy of the 600E and T22, I'll be more than happy to compare it against the Advanced Dock I had for the 60/61/500 and the mini dock I had for the X30,T40-43.

 

I too have mine on order

went with:
820QM
4gb 1067mhz ram
320 7200 rpm HD
FHD multi-touch screen

I already received my docking station from my account rep and the laptop will be here Feb 12th ship date. However now that the orders are back up on the website showing me a 15 day ship window maybe I will get it sooner.

question to you all,

Is this a completly new docking station for these models?

My rep sent me the thinkpad advanced mini dock p/n: 250410U
Wondering if this will be compatible, he said it will be but somehow I think not.

Either way I can just send it back and get the correct one but does anyone have the information on weather this docking station is compatible.

 

I don't think the dock is compatible. I ended up returning that one and ordering the 433820U. It has a 135W AC adapter and is quoted specifically as being compatible with the W510.

 

Maybe, but the dates quoted on the website are in "business days". So 15 business days = 3 weeks = 21 calendar days.

 

which would actually make it the 12th anyways.

Are the multi-touch trackpads going to be like the iphone , mac gestures? I know they have the highest standard as far as gestures. Wondering with the multi touch trackpad as well as touch screen will give me gestures that work as good as the mac side. Anyone know?

 

If it's like the one in the T400s, yes. It does pinch-zoom, multi-finger scroll and locks/minimizes all apps if you put 4 fingers down, etc.

Nice, but nothing groundbreaking.

 

I know I have started another thread about the touch screen but does anyone here know if the touch screen is usable with a stylus in order to draw in programs such as OneNote or visio?

Im not thinking its going to be as good as a wacom tablet but does it work in the same manner as a tablet pc as in not being afraid to use the butt of a pen on it or a stylus?

 

Just ordered a W510 with:

Core i7 820QM
15.6" FHD
8 GB SDRAM
500 GB HDD 7200rpm

Accessories:
Mini dock series 3 for mobile workstations (has 135W adapter)
256GB SSD
Hard drive bay adapter III
USB DVD Burner

I plan to create a set of recovery disks using the Lenovo software, then remove the 512GB HDD and replace it with the 256GB SSD, putting the HDD in the ultrabay using the adapter. Then restore the operating system using the recovery disks, onto the SSD. I checked with Lenovo Tech Support, which assured me that the "Lenovo Enhanced Experience" will work fine if I do this. I've used Lenovo recovery disks before and found it to be quick and easy.

Incidentally, Lenovo Tech Support was really quick at answering the phone and giving me a credible answer to my question. Don't hesitate to call them with questions.

I do a lot of heavy-duty number-crunching using engineering models and GIS, and also travel a lot. Looks like Lenovo made the W510 just for me. Estimated ship date is 2/10/2010. I can't wait.

 

Looks like the slice batteries are finally shipping. Mine went out today.

Should be in by Friday.

 

Does W510 support raid?

 

You guys went with the i7-820.. the 720 is probably really not very good (i.e. faster than a T9900) if you don't really need quad, is it?

I wish they would offer the w510 with a 32nm dual core 620....

 

Well, you could always buy windows.
Renee

 

"Does W510 support raid?"

Electrically it will IF it will support another contoller.. I'm not sure about the mechanical part.
Renee