Questions about Thinkpad SSD, Ultrabay

Hi guys, I'm purchasing a T410S but had a couple of final questions while configuring my notebook. Thanks so much.

1. I'm thinking about just getting the 250GB harddrive, is this a good call for you guys (in terms of noise, speed)? Can it be easily replaced later if I want to upgrade?

2. Can anyone attest to the T410S battery life? I've heard it's around 3 hours with the 6 cell...

3. I'm confused about the ultrabay. Can I just pop it out with a push and swap in a battery/another hard drive/disk drive on the go?

4. Also regarding the ultrabay battery, I've heard people saying that it is drained first... in a negative light, why is this a bad thing? I've also heard people recommending removing the ultrabay battery when I won't need it.

5. Where can I find reviews of the performance of its integrated graphics? Enough play HD movies seamlessly, and some light gaming?

6. Finally, can someone explain these wireless options to me?

Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters Help me decide Help me decide
A wireless card must be selected to connect to a wireless network.
-Intel Centrino Wireless-N 1000
-ThinkPad bgn Wireless
-Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 (2x2 AGN)
-Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)
-Intel Centrino Advanced-N + WiMAX 6250

 

1.- Lenovo uses several different suppliers for each hard drive option, so noise/speed will differ slightly, but that's a fine choice. Yes, it only takes one screw to replace the hard drive.

2.- 3-4 hours sounds about right. The T410s' 6-cell battery has a relatively low Wh amount.

3.- Yep. It's easily hot-swappable, you just have to use the Safely Remove Hardware tool to eject.

4.- This is a bad thing because batteries lose their charge capacity over time, especially if they are repeatedly drained to 0 (optimally, a battery should be at 40% charge). Because the UltraBay battery is drained first, it keeps getting completely drained, which cause them to quickly lose their full charge capacity.

People recommend removing the UltraBay battery when not in use because batteries also lose capacity when exposed to heat (they like it cool), so taking it out prevents the UB battery from unnecessary heat.

5.- Yes, the Intel GMA 5770 MHD is plenty powerful enough for HD video and light gaming. The only time when it is insufficient is in intensive 3D gaming.

6.- All the wireless options are made by Intel except the Thinkpad BGN card, which is probably a Realtek card. The Advanced and Ultimate cards have additional antennas that give additional speed and range, while the Advanced+ one additionally supports WiMax (useless if you do not intend to use WiMax).

 

Thanks so much for the answers MidnightSun, awesome. I'm excited to get this

 

I actually had two follow up questions --

1. Will replacing the hard drive void my warranty? I intend on buying a 3 yr warranty with Thinkpad protection.

2. Is it likely that there will be compatible (preferably Lenovo produced) batteries released with higher Wh?

 

I can answer your first question.

1. No, the HDD is user upgradeable, it wont void your warranty.

 

I would say no to number two.