Optimizing the T410S

Much thanks to everyone that answered my questions and helped me choose the T410S.

Now that it's in the mail, I'd like know about optimizing the system in a thread where other 410S owners can hopefully also refer to.

Right off the bat:

1. I've heard that it's detrimental to run Windows backups on an SSD, can anyone explain or recommend alternatives for backups?

2. Since screen contrast/quality isn't that great, can anyone point me to programs/profiles that will better contrast ratios?

3. I'm a relatively new user, so I'm not sure about doing a clean install (unless users have a strong argument for it)... but what programs would you all recommend uninstalling?

Any other recommendations for programs, etc. that will keep the notebook running at top speed are appreciated.

Thanks all

 

just uninstall the programs you don't think you'll use - we can't really answer that question for you

 

Thanks, anyone know about programs to tweak the best viewing experience? I remember someone mentioning a program that increases contrast but for the life of me I can't find that thread again

 

i followed some of the advice here
http://www.blackviper.com/Windows_7/servicecfg.htm

the result is not too bad, boot time is 45s, shut down about 10s, and RAM usage at start-up is around 0.8gb

 

I think you're talking about Spyder3 but it's rather expensive and it's not a software. Your best bet is to use the built in Windows 7 Calibrator Tool.

 

Okay, thanks mythos

 

1. Backups will not affect SSD performance. You are probably confusing that with Defrag myths. Defrag will not run run on the SSD with Windows 7 so it isn't an issue.

2. I'm not sure where you are getting the information on the screen. I would just wait until you receive the machine. I'm guessing you are going to like it just fine.

3. Regarding clean install, Lenovo has done a much better job of late not polluting their machines with "crapware". I would first recommend you create the factory disk image using the Lenovo Recovery software before you do anything else. After that, you might uninstall their automatic system update utility, the connections mgmt software, and the anti-virus if it came with a trial version. Microsoft Security Essentials is pretty darn good now and free. Fast, too.

Enjoy the machine. There isn't probably much else you need to do. I should have mine mid-May if the ship date is at all accurate but I know how things go.

 

Sorry, I think I meant System Restores. Any way to get around this? Can I just do a system restore file on an external drive?

 

Automatic system backup and restore is easily turned off. In fact, it's one of the first things I turn off after installing a new OS. I would rather have the disk space (over the safety net).

1. Right mouse click Computer
2. Click the "System Protection" link in the top left tasks.
3. Click drive C: to select it then click the Configure button.
4. Click the "Turn off system protection" radio button to select that option
5. Click Apply
6. Click the Delete button to remove all previous restore points
7. Click OK to save changes

 

" I would rather have the disk space (over the safety net)."

The disk space taken by backup is not that large.
Renee