Quick X220 questions, about to order

1) Should I get the fingerprint reader for $17 ??
Does it reduce the battery life ??? Does it slow down the system / system boot?

2) Should I skip the IPS upgrade for $43 ??? I don't want backlight bleeding / ghosting ect....

3) Is it possible to fit any 9mm SSD without cutting anything up ? I don't mind opening the laptop if it doesn't affect the warranty.

Still unsure about the SSD. Trying to find a Intel 310 mSATA or Crucial M4 on sale.....

4) ThinkPad 1x1 b/g/n
Intel WiFi Link 1000 ($8.50 more)
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 AGN ($17 more)

Intel WiFi Link 1000 is best for battery life right ???

I don't care about 5/5 bars or Wireless N and stuff...

 

1) Might have a look into this for more info regarding power consumption of fingerprint reader. If you never use a password to protect your laptop then I'd imagine the fingerprint reader doesn't actually accelerate your login speed at all. However it is a must-have for me: I always use strong password, and I always set UAC to prompt for credential while elevating privilege, which effectively prevents me from accidentally running malicious software, and hence I don't have to reinstall Windows very often.

2) No. The IPS option is of great value. However if you are really concerned of bleeding then probably try it out yourself in some local stores before you buy.

3) I don't like the asymmetric look of 9 cell nor the extra weight - however I do like the extra battery life.

I've installed an M4 512G SSD and be done with it. Don't have to worry about capacity. If you need more capacity then mSATA seems a better option. M4 simply gives best overall performance (both great 4k random and great sequential with SATA III).

 

I opted against the FPR just cause I never use them. I can't imagine the battery would diverge significantly. The FPR software would be running in the background, but I wouldn't think it makes much of a difference.

At $43 the IPS is an absolute no-brainer. There are a few people who have had some issues with ghosting issues, but I think it's a small subset. See here. I personally have not noticed it.

I'm not super familar with the 9.5mm mod, but I don't think it's possible to put it in there without violating the warranty. I say go for the mSATA. You'll get more space that way. Just finding one is an accomplishment, let alone getting it on sale. I just wish Hitachi would get off their duff and send me my 500GB Z5k500.

 

I always use strong passwords. Is the fingerprint reader secure ???I mean, I don't want someone swiping it and it working.

I think you are right about the M4. I just can't find a good deal on one.
But 512GB ???? Damn, that's $2000+ !!!!

 

2. Yes. I don't want to read your complaining about it.

 

You can actually set the fingerprint software to be more secure or to be more user friendly. I guess it affects how securely it checks for the fingerprint. I have it somewhere in the middle (default setting). It has never accepted anyone else's fingerprints, no friends, no family. (still everyone likes to try it and then get disappointed when they do not get in )

 

Ok, I got a quote:

i5 2520
2 GB (I have 2 x4GB Gskill 1333mhz SoDimm)
250GB 5400rpm (I'll add an SSD or mSATA+7200rpm)
IPS
Fingerprint
Camera
6 cell
Wifilink 1000

Got a quote of $766 + tax
I'll call in and convert it to an order.

Lets see what happens....

 

A fingerprint reader is a neat thing to show off. If you want to impress people with your new laptop, I'd go for it. As a security measure, however, it can be substantially worse than a strong password.

 

So I spent $17 on a gimmick..Oh well. Better be a cool gimmick though.

 

This is exactly what holding me back because if i get ghosting, I'll probably have to stick with it for at least few years without able to replace/repair. And imaging that makes me feel shivering.

Does anyone downgrade screen from 14.1'' feel it small to use it in a long time?

Did you make that quote thru Master Card market place? If not, use it, I think it'll be less than that

 

I had a 14,1" 1440x900 before. Obviously the the X220 requires some adjusting, e.g. using a slim taskbar on the side, and 2 documents side by side is not really possible anymore. But I got used to it and don't mind it.

 

How do I turn my blue tooth on? I would like ot set my X220 with my new Galaxy Sii without the cable

 

Fn + F5 to get window for toggling "wireless" capablities on/off.

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