Questions about X200 upgrades?

I'm in the midst of considering which machine's going to be my primary system, either my X200 or T400. I'm really leaning towards my X200 as it's simply easier to take around and provides the power I need to do most of what I do on my computer… I do game a little bit and the only title I regularly play that the X200 can't handle is Fallout 3. A new keyboard and palmrest have resolved most of the cosmetic issues I've been having. Also, the fact I can upgrade to an AFFS display is a big plus. Here's some questions I need answered, and they run the gamut:

I'm thinking about getting an SSD, for silent running as well as reliability(no platter-based HDD in a system that's being constantly moved is a real plus). The problem is that I need capacity; I know the Intel 80GB is a favorite but 80GB just isn't going to cut it… I really need a 256GB drive if I'm going to SSD. I simply have too many programs that I like/need to cart around. I've been offered one of the 1.8" Samsung units as used in the T410s/X301 for $400… is this a good deal, or can I find better? Are the caddies that are needed to fit in a 2.5" system expensive or hard to obtain? Any suggestions for a 256GB SSD that won't break the bank?

For the AFFS upgrade, is the much less expensive and easier to obtain glossy panel still worth it, or is the matte version worth the $100-200 premium? Getting an IPS panel of any sort off of Ebay for $75-100 seems like a smoking deal.

I'm also looking for a case for this notebook. I'm currently using a backpack that I originally got for my T60p, but it's just a bit too bulky. I'd lie something smaller, but can fit some accessories like an external HDD, power adapter, travel mouse and a few other 'essentials'… enough room for my external DVD drive would be good as well, just in case. I'm looking at some Waterfield cases that may fit the bill, but I'd like suggestions for other models.

Finally, is 8GB of RAM worth it from a performance standpoint for my usage(Office apps, Internet, some video encoding, light programming, and light gaming) or should I bump up to 4GB? I currently have 2GB in here right now and am thinking it might be better to bump up a bit.

 

If you're interested, I have a moderately used Samsung 256GB 2.5", Dell OEM, with FDE (Full Disk Encryption), and TRIM. I can let it go for $400. Let me know.
Also, I have the glossy version of the AFFS panel. I don't find much difference between this panel and the matte panel in my X61s. The screen has mild glossy, not heavy glossy like other commercial laptop.

 

Interesting... might be a couple of months before I can afford anything major as far as upgrades go; if you still have the drive when I've got the money to throw at it I may still be pretty interested. What was your experience with your Samsung as compared to your Intel? I'm running 7200RPM HDDs exclusively... I've heard mixed reviews on the performance difference between the two. I'm mainly wanting better reliability; I have two HDDs that have thrown SMART errors on me in the past few months and really don't want to have a drive knock out on me when I'm on the go.

So, the glossy AFFS panel isn't as bad for reflections and etc. as regular consumer notebooks? That's good to hear and puts some weight towards getting the less expensive panel. However, I thought all X61/s systems came with matte panels? I know mine did...

 

yes all X61 system came with matte LCD.

 

All items offered for sale on this board, must be posted in the marketplace forum, use the BST form and adhere to the marketplace rules.

I have the glossy version of the screen. I don't find it that bad myself, but I'm not the picky type. There was some matte versions on eBay in the $160 range. Plus they had the touch panel and digitizer already removed. They must have went quickly. Perhaps if you wait a bit, they'll come back.

I have this case. It works well with the nine cell and there's a little extra room for adapters and what not.

Most people, unless you've got a specific need, can't use more than 4GB of memory.

 

Zaz you got another R60e.... i guess the 15 UXGA is just too hard to pass off.

 

Once you go UXGA Flexview, it's hard not to go back. I'm considering grabbing another T60p in the somewhat distant future as well.

 

@Zaz Sorry for the plug, just thought that he's interested I'll stop now.
@Legendary Sorry, I meant the matte screen in my X61s. Typo is fixed now. I may still have the 256GB down the road. Check back with me once you have the funds. Between the Intel and Samsung, I can't tell much difference in real world use. As such, I rather get the Samsung and get an extra 96GB (256-160) for a little bit more. One thing is for sure, though. I'll never go back to a HDD again if I can help it.

 

It's hard to pass up a $50 ThinkPad with a cracked screen that's in good shape otherwise, knowing there's a FlexView just dying to go in there.

There's no need to apologize, but I was just making sure everyone's following the rules for selling stuff here. You are allowed a link in your sig if you want to advertise, provided you are in compliance with with the signature rules.

 

x201s 2.48 lbs w/4-cell
x201 2.89 lbs w/4-cell
x301 2.93 lbs w/3-cell
x200T 3.5lbs w/4-cell

X301 has nice weight, includes optical drive and is also portable.

 

@Zaz so is the LCD on your R60 been swapped to a UXGA already? Man you are seriously tempting me to find a R60 and do this mod myself.

 

That's the eventual goal. I want to have a chance to play with it a bit to see if everything's up to snuff before I spend any more money. I like the R60(e) better as a FlexView. The 15" ThinkPads are too heavy for mobility. The extra stoutness of the T60 isn't warranted, though I find the R60 to be excellent in its own right myself. Plus they're thicker, which means they run cooler.

 

The lower system temperature is definitely the big bonus of having the R series.

 

Lower than even the T series? I would have thought having slimmed down the T series (though not perhaps by much) Lenovo would have also managed the corresponding temp issues.

But it is true that the R series seem to run cooler! Which brings up the question: If there is an optimal thickness to the body of a machine, which results in lower temps, then why mess with it? Surely the temp vs mobility tradeoff is loaded in favour of temps as this can caused operational problems...no?

 

@lines of flight.

The temperature difference between the T400 and R400 (T500 and R500) is not so great when you are using the Intel GPU, you will not be able to detect it unless you have a temperature probe that can read temperature within 0.5 degree accuracy range.

You would only notice a temperature difference if you put the T500 with the ATI 3650 GPU up against a R500 with the Intel GPU.

Basically, the larger internal volume within the R series give a better air flow around the GPU and CPU area. Furthermore, the R series should have a bigger size fan than an equivalent T series (i think the T400 and R400 is the same), means that more air can be moved across the heatsink area (oh the heatsink size is also bigger on a R500 Thinkpad).

However, while the T series runs slightly hotter it doesn't mean that it would have an operational problem, since this is all within the design range of the components.

Optimal thickness in terms of size versus cooling efficiency probably doesn't produce a laptop thin enough for portable use (R400 and the R61 14.1 inch widescreen is probably an exception). More people would purchase a laptop based on thickness than on the ultimate cooling efficiency. Ask the MBP crowds how hot their laptop run under full load (My MBP can reach a whopping 65 degrees surface temperature on the chassis), yet lot of people flock to it.

Also, you would notice people would purchase Consumer grade laptops for feature and spec, but don't give a second thought to the serviceability or cooling efficiency.

 

@lead_org...thanks! That was an excellent explanation.