Question on adding msata ssd to Y500 which I ordered 5 minutes ago

I'm ordering a 256gb Plextor msata ssd to pop into the Y500 I detailed in the "Please critique my proposed Y500 purchase" thread.

When the Y500 and ssd arrive, should I install the ssd immediately, wait until I have removed bloatware and have all my regular software running properly or somewhere in between. Normally it seems a good idea to make sure you have no problems before introducing a new component.

 

It depends on how you intend on setting up the new drive. If you're going to clone it and you have a way to do so while connected to a different system I clone the original drive before it's ever been used to the new SSD and run through the setup from the speedy SSD drive. That's my personal preference. I have a library of original drives from old systems I can just pop back in when it's time to sell the system (I only keep computers 1-2 years) and upgrade to something better.

Cheers,

 

I'll be cloning the 1T HD, which will stay in the laptop. I'm thinking that after the SSD becomes my primary disk I'll set up an auto backup to a partition in the hard drive.

Going through all the set up stuff faster is one reason to install the ssd as soon as the Y500 arrives.

 

A couple of unrelated things about the ordering experience. The Y500 I ordered is an ecoupon "deal" for $839. Under Barnes & Noble Gold it is $819. Under the AICPA it's $809. The differences are so small they don't check anything. Even though the B&N and AICPA parts of Lenovo's site have unique ext phone numbers I think you can just call in regularly and tell them you're a member of the AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and get the extra few dollars off. If you want to see the AICPA section the passcode is in the page address: AICPAGOLD.

AICPA Exclusive Offer | Lenovo | (US)

Also when I asked about shipping I was told that the machines are flying out the door because the end of the quarter is 6 days away. Great thing to tell a CPA. Public companies file financials each quarter and are anxious to have their sales up and inventories down at the end of the day, June 30.

 

Why don't you just do a clean install on the ssd once you get both on hand?

 

I personally no longer do clean installs. I just clone the manufacturer's load and uninstall any bloatware. I own so many spare 2.5" HDDs I just keep the original drive for future sale. I prefer to start with all the drivers installed and working rather than trying to manually set everything up fro scratch.

Cheers,

 

I thought I'd read that Lenovos don't come with Windows Dvd's or key codes so I didn't think that was a reasonable option.

I was on top of all this stuff in the 80's and 90's but have gone years since then without doing anything technical on a PC so "simple" has a great appeal.

 

No DVDs just a restore partition. Hence I prefer cloning.

Cheers,