Lenovo W520 Owner's Thread

Someone mentioned to me that if I am going to replace the HDD with an SSD, all what I have to do to keep everything working as originally came from lenovo is to make the recover disks from the original drive. Is that true?

 

True. Make the recovery discs from the original drive, then create the factory-image on the new drive from the recovery discs.

(The other way is to install Windows 7 SP1 yourself, then install Lenovo drivers and tools/applications.)

 

Is there a preferred way over another?

 

you could also use a product like acronis true image and make an image of the factory drive and put it on the ssd. I did it that way, then I did it with a clean install of windows 7, then I did it with the recovery disks. testing with pcvantage the clean install came in third with the recovery disks and the image pretty much tied for first. I was surprised that the clean install wasn't the best performer. boot times were also faster with lenovo's build. good luck.

 

Yes. If you don't have a lot of experience with ThinkPads and the software produced by Lenovo, it's best to use the Lenovo factory images until you gain that experience.

After you have an understanding of what is provided and it's intent, then you can make informed choices on what to uninstall or clean install the OS.

Your first order of business is to create the factory DVD disk set using the Rescue and Recovery software. Do that right when you get the machine so you can always revert back to it if desired.

 

Not in my experience. RapidBoot and RapidBoot Extreme is pure marketing.

 

I did uninstall rapidboot I forgot that until you mentioned it. You are correct.

 

Another option: use a 32GB, 64GB or 128GB SD card as a removable backup device. They are coming down in price (currently about 1 dollar per GB: Amazon.com: Komputerbay 64GB SDXC High Speed Class 10 Memory Card 15MB/s Write 20MB/s Read 64 GB: Electronics )

 

Hey all you nerds,
These probably have already been mentioned, but I'll ask anyways:

First off, as like many, my 500gb 7200rpm shipment took forever to ship. Order 1/26 and was just shipped yesterday. If you order by enabling RAID, it did/does not warn you about the long shipment.(noticed upgrading HD when not enabling raid does warn you). Apparently there was a shortage of these HDs, why couldn't they just upgrade me to SSDs?

Questions:

• 1. Ordering Raid Enabled Option: Does that mean they ship you 2 HDDs? (just checking)
• 2. mSATA: So I'll have the primary drive bay and secondary ultrabay drive bay, I'm thinking mSATA SSD. Does RAID and mSATA have any correlation.... just wondering if I have to configure the BIOS a certain way when installing the mSATA SSD. The upgrade guide doesn't give much info on installing mSATA SSD. Do I just plug it in and install an OS on it? (Also, anyone have a good mSATA SSD recommendation?)
• 3. Upgrading Memory: I want 2x8gb memory upgrade in addition to 4gb that came with it.(mostly just for kicks) Anyone have a good recommendation(links please).
• 4. When does Lenovo bill you for the laptop?

Huberth, I'm liking your thinking on them SD cards.

laptop should get here soon. Landed in the US of A from those commie manufactures today according to the shipment tracking. I once worked for the soulless company called Foxconn. I hope Lenovo doesn't use them.

FYI: levono laptops got an excellent deal today using ecoupon: PRESIDENT.

 

It was as interesting to me as you that the 500GB 7200RPM in the RAID option ships immediately within the same time fame as the 5400RPM. They do not warn you because they actually ship fast. I called them after getting tired of waiting for my 7200 RPM to ask why with RAD, they ship faster, and they told me something funny that I did not get. They say the RAID machines get a priority on having the 7200 RPM when they arrive in stock!!!

Long story short, I gave up, I requested cancellation of my order and got the 5400 RPM and that was the reason for my discussion. I cannot wait till 3/16 when I can get on 2/27, don't you agree?

 

They ship a drive of your choice in the primary bay and an UltraBay caddy in lieu of the optical drive.

 

There is no just RAID enabled option, you have to actually order two HDDs in RAID configuration and they'll put the motherboard with the Intel RAID controller in it. RAID and mSATA are not related, and in my setup, I have a single mSATA SSD as my primary drive and two HDDs in one array for convenient storage.

If you get a mSATA aftermarket, you will have to physically remove your two HDDs and install the OS into the mSATA drive. I suggest MyDigitalSSD or Intel 310. I really wanted the Samsung 830 but it's difficult to obtain since they don't have many retail channels (they sell in bulk to ODMs/OEMs).

Is there a particular reason you require so much memory? What is the configuration you purchased? There is a specific order you need to install memory based on capacity and speed. I believe you need to fill up slots 1 and 2 first then 3 and 4. You can find the hardware upgrade manual in Lenovo support.

 

That's not necessarily true. There are many reasons to back up data: simple HDD failure, access to prior revisions of files, etc.

FWIW, I've never dropped a laptop or had one stolen, but I have had two hard drive failures while traveling on business, and they both cost a lot of money to recover my data.

I now use a two-level backup strategy: (1) daily backups via a second HDD in the UltraBay slot when I'm traveling on business and living in a hotel, and (2) nightly backups to my home server when I'm at home, typically on weekends. That way, if I'm on the road, and my primary HDD fails, or I simply need access to a prior revision of a file, I can restore from the second HDD in the UltraBay slot. If my laptop is dropped or stolen, I have a host of logistical hardware problems to deal with, but I can eventually restore my data from the backup on my home server.

I thought about using RAID, but I didn't want to give up my Blu-ray optical drive, so now I simply carry the Blu-ray drive separately in my briefcase.

Bottom line: Don't completely discount the value of using the UltraBay for a back-up drive. The most important thing about a backup strategy is that it needs to be performed frequently, and the latest backup needs to be current, and the convenience of the UltraBay slot helps address those issues for road warriors like me.

 

Are you sure about that? When I was looking at various RAID configuration options, I thought the online selector forced the order to include two drives?

 

Great discussion! Do you think it matters if I leave the 500GB 5400 RPM in the primary bay and still use it as my internal backup drive and then purchase an SSD to be my primary drive and put it in the ultra bay or do I have to reverse them for some reason?

Also, do you know the exact model of the 500GB 5400 RPm that comes with the W520?

 

You can put the SSD and the HDD either way. (I feel the primary bay is mechanically more secure.) Just make sure you set the boot drive in BIOS.

 

Depends on whether or not you want to use the UltraBay for an optical drive.

I'm not sure what exact model the 500 Gb 5400 rpm drive is. It's probably a Seagate or Hitachi. I think Lenovo will ship from a variety of manufacturers, as long as they fit their specs.

 

Yes, you are forced to purchase two HDDs online. If you select RAID, they will not give you any ODD but a caddy with a 2nd same HDD as in your primary bay.

The 7200RPM models I received are Seagate 7200.4. Not sure about the 5400RPM models, but I agree that they probably have multiple companies for hard drives.

 

Is that the Samsung pm830? That one is SATA 6.0 gbps, right? Is the Intel 310 also? Most likely won't affect my purchasing option... either is plenty fast.

Require? Oh I don't require... I want!

jk... the only thing I would need a lot of memory for is when running multiple VMs. Really I think 8gb would be plenty. I just like to overbuy. My laptop specs are (that is when it gets here):
Lenovo Thinkpad W520(2860QM/1x4GB/15.6FHD (1900 X 1080) LED/6300N/9-Cell)... and hopefully 2 hdds(at least one) 500gb 7200rpm.... although there have been different opinions weather the raid enabled forces you to buy 2 hdds or just gives you one and an empty ultrabay drive.

Also, I finally see my purchase in my bank statement.... they waited til it was shipped.

 

Did someone say they received a RAID order with a single drive?

 

Any find that Lenovo Thinkpad service sucks. W701 had constant problems, increased after a tech took it apart. The touchpad on my W520 sucks, and now I am being refused onsite service because some a*hole tech said my house was messy. I provided what they asked for:

2. On-site Service
Under On-Site Service, y our Service Provider will either repair or exchange the product at your location. You must provide a suitable
working area to allow disassembly and reassembly of the Lenovo product. For some products, certain repairs may require your Service
Provider to send the product to a designated service center.

Unless another company buys Thikpad from Lenovo, my two decades of Thinkpad use are over. Lots of people make good laptops now. Why should I get one where I have to jump through hoops to try and get warranty service.

Oh! His other reason was I had firearms in the house. (I own a BB gun)

 

Sorry to hear that, but I've had absolutely no problems with my warranty service. Had to replace my original battery as well as my original keyboard (I chipped off a key). 5 minutes on the phones and got replacement parts for free in less than 24hrs.

Other than that, my W520 withstands the abuse I give it.

 

Just to let everyone know, I have tested W520 with BlackmagicDesign Ultrastudio SDI, and it works!
So, anyone thinking of using UltraStudio SDI can go ahead and buy this laptop.

 

I am about to submit my order, can someone review it for me?

Intel Core i7-2760QM Processor (2.40 GHz, 6MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
720p Camera
Internal RAID - Not Enabled
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader & Smart Card Reader
9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Services and software
2Yr Onsite Warranty Next Business Day
Accessories
ThinkPad 15W Case Sleeve

Should i add a color sensor?
Anything else i should consider?

Total comes to $1529.54 w/ this coupon lenovo is offering (PRESIDENT) which comes out to a 13.71% discount.

Thanks in advance!

 

Start from here,
Lenovo - Barnes and Noble Gold

Use the president discount. You should save even more.

Edit: everything you have listed +color sensor +Intel Core i7-2860QM for $1,444.16

 

I'd have to agree, $1529.54 is a bit high. Mine was $1259 plus warranty.

 

Is color sensor actually important if you do not do graphic work?

 

I placed my order two days ago and did not use B&N and when I checked it out now, I see I could have save $85. Do you think this is a deal breaker? Should I try to call and get this difference honored or they would not do that since it is a different affiliation (B&N)?

 

Do this work in this laptop? Sierra Wireless MC8775 3G/HSDPA 7.2Mbps/GPS Wwan Card

 

I have no idea how useful the color sensor would be to you. From what I have read it doesn't get the best reviews and some say it's better to buy an aftermarket one.

I canceled a previous order to take advantage of the president discount.
Speak to your sales person to avoid the restocking fee. Do not pay it!
Mark_R. is the sales person I have been working with, he makes the process very easy.

 

Here is my final and revised order, everything look ok?

Intel Core i7-2760QM Processor (2.40 GHz, 6MB L3)
Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64
15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready
NVIDIA Quadro 1000M Graphics with 2GB DDR3 Memory
4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader
720p Camera
Internal RAID - Not Enabled
500 GB Hard Disk Drive, 5400rpm
DVD recordable multiburner
Express Card Slot & 4 in 1 Card Reader & Smart Card Reader
9 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55++
Country Pack North America with Line cord & 170W AC adapter
Bluetooth 3.0
Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
Integrated Mobile Broadband - Upgradable
Services and software
2YR Onsite + 2YR ThinkPad Protection
Accessories
ThinkPad In-Ear Headphones

I was thinking about getting the thinkpad top load case, does it fit the w520 just fine?

I opted without the color sensor after researching it seems like having a aftermarket one would benefit more.

With the BN discount along with the president, i am at $1291.43

 

Did you order the 5400RPM like me to get it soon? Are you planning to replace it or add an SSD after you get it?

 

I am thinking about replacing my 500gb 5400rpm with a 500gb 7200rpm and sell the 5400rpm. Any advice on what is the best hdd in the market that I can buy? My decision is based on the fact I do not want to break the bank at this moment and find comfort in getting a 7200rpm hdd. Thoughts please? Your help is really appreciated.

 

I have the 750GB 7200rpm Hitachi Travelstar. I paid $89 for it right before the great flood.

See Amazon.com: Hitachi Travelstar 2.5-Inch 750 GB 7200 RPM SATA II 16 MB Cache Internal Hard Drive - 0S03339 [Amazon Frustration-Free Packaging]: Electronics

 

Wow! It's now about $150 and I was trying not to pay too much out of pocket after I sell the 500gb 5400rpm. Also, is Hitachi better than Seagate? One more question, when I sell the 5400rpm that comes with my W520, should I describe it as new or used?

 

pchome,

Im going to put a ssd once i get it

 

May I ask what are you planning to replace it with?

 

You can also keep the factory HHD and go with an mSATA.
I bought the myDigital 128GB mSATA $170. Shipped fast.
Still waiting on the 520 to show up....:/

 

Im still looking around and reading on which i should get. Not really computer savvy, just want something fast and reliable.

 

I am not technologically expert so wanted to ask you if this this HDD will work with the W520 as a replacement of its factory one?

Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS Mobile Hard Drive - 500GB, 2.5", 7200RPM, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 ST9500420AS Mobile Hard Drive - 500GB, 2.5, 7200RPM, 16MB, SATA-300, OEM at TigerDirect.com

Is there anything wrong that they ship it in OEM packaging?

I am also thinking of a the Momentus XT option and not sure if they are better in general (many people complain about noise and vibration) and if they are, is the 750GB better than the 500GB (in things other than storage capacity):

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Momentus-7200RPM-Hybrid-ST95005620AS-Bare/dp/B003NSBF32

http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Momen...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1329639044&sr=1-1
Is the price of $178 a good one or are they just use the floods problems to increase prices?

Thanks

 

After using the BN discount code, its only $170 to upgrade to their intel 160gb ssd. I think i might go this route, save myself the hassle of learning the process to install it and after looking on new egg the same sad goes for about 270+ give or take.

 

What is the BN discount code or where do you find out about that? I don't suppose you can get the SSD and the W520 RAID configuration at the same time, can you?

 

here, Lenovo - Barnes and Noble Gold

 

You always install an mSATA to have the best of both worlds.

 

I wanna ask a naive question. What do you mean by saying "install mSATA"? I will appreciate detailed explanation if possible

 

Wish I could give you more details but I'm not as knowledgable as others in this field.
Everything I have learned has been from this thread and others like it.

The W520 has a slot under the keyboard for a WWAN card/chip(?)
OR
You can install a mSATA SSD to run the operating system along with other important daily used systems.

I ordered and have received a Mydigital 128GB mSATA SSD $170.
Once my W520 arrives I will install the mSATA along with 32GB ram and transfer my operating system onto the mSATA along with installing all my architectural programs on the mSATA. The factory disc Hard Drive will be used for storage and other not soo important programs.

Hope I used all the terms correctly and this helps.

 

The idea behind the mSATA is to give you a small SSD for the boot drive(speed) while you can keep a platter drive in the main bay for storage where speed is not as important. If you don't need the optical drive you could replace with a second drive via the modular caddy.

 

Ok, I understand that. I just was no sure it is equivalent to using the term mSATA. What I am currently seriously considering is selling my factory 500GB 5400RPM and getting the Seagate 750GB Momentus XT (it has excellent reviews even better than it earlier version 500GB Momentus XT?)

I am just still not sure whether to pay $178 for it or better get the Crucial SSD 256GB fr $336 ( the problem is that the latter is still small). Need some help from people here

 

Are you sure guys that if I do the recovery DVDs from my factory HDD and then use these on a brand new HDD, I will get exactly everything that was on the factory HDD?

I heard about the cloning but for some reason I do not like it and feel that installation is better than cloning (not based on any evidence just my belief)

 

The prices of SSDs today make it impractical to use them for general storage. If you insist on using one single "large enough" SSD for your laptop, you must be willing to spend about $1000 for, say, the Intel 600GB. (Is this large enough? Looking at size alone, it is still small to me.)

So, if you want a practical "best of both worlds" situation, I repeat what I recommended earlier: get a small SSD for OS and apps, and move your 500GB 5400rpm to the UltraBay for data storage.

If you insist on having the DVD drive there at all times (really?), I would suggest you keep the 500GB 5400rpm in the primary bay, and install an mSATA SSD for OS and apps.

In any event, as I said earlier, just use your W520 for a week or two to have a personal feel for its overall performance. You might just like it as it is.

Absolutely. ("Are you sure..." ) What's the point of "recovery" if the user cannot recover the factory installation onto a new HDD when the factory-installed HDD fails, which is the most basic use-case?