Ready to order a R61 - need few advices/input on specifics

Hi,

I am ready to buy a R61.
With Vista (32 bit)
3 gb ram (i buy one and get a 2gb stick fro cheaper!), 120 gb @5,400 rpm, 14", cam, graphic card ...

And that is pretty much it!

1/ I was wondering if the Turbo Memory was worth it ? I can later on have a express card (when the prices will drop ?)

2/ Better to have the combo?:
pc card/express card or pc card/media card reader (and for the last one is it SD reader or SDHC ?)

3/ i was going to run linux or mac on an external portable HDD- are the 3 gb sufficient w/o Turbo Memory ?

Thanks.

Sebastien

 

1) Probably not worth it. You can't put Turbo Memory in the ExpressCard slot, if I understand you correctly.

2) Unless you take a lot of pictures and store them on an SD card, the ExpressCard slot would probably do you fine.

The card reader will read both SD and SDHC... not quite sure what you're asking.

3) Yep.

 

thanks

1/ well I meant, if I do not order it with the Turbo Memory, and I realize I need more mem, I can use a stick, express card ....
But ok, if you said it is not that worth it I will not grab it (still about 50 $ cheaper!) and well SSD will be cheaper so it will be better

2/ well I use my sd card a bunch, but I am also thinking about a resell value,and the express card seems the better fit (as pc card on laptop are disappearing and pc card express seem to replace those)?

3/ coolies

PS: seeign you have a thinkpad - what is the max battery size that one can buy (OEM). I saw the 4, 6 or 7 cell, but I just stumble upon a 9 cell on ebay ... is it me or it's for real ?

 

Here is the thing. I am very confused.

By configuring my laptop, I can choose either a media card reader or an express card.
What will be best .... and what will be the most useful ?

Is the Turbo Memory integrated or to be placed in the express card slot ?
Can I get a Expresscard SSD for an ok price ?
Or best is to get a SDHC card for an even better price ?
Are normal SD cards fine for readyboost and readydrive ? (I have a bunch of 2 gb that I use for informations and can use as access for ready boost ?)

S.

 

1) You can insert an SD card for usage with ReadyBoost, but since it is most effective with systems with less memory I don't think you'll see much benefit from it. ReadyBoost is by no means an alternative to more RAM.

2) You could always get the ExpressCard slot and buy a card reader that fits in the slot.

The maximum battery size for a 14.1" is 7-cell. For 15.4" Thinkpads, it is 9-cell.

Basically:

14.1" TPs: 4, 6, and 7 cell
15.4" TPs: 6 and 9 cell

Edit: In response to your new post:

1) If you use your SD cards a lot, then a card reader would be a bit more convenient. Seeing as how there are adapters out there for the ExpressCard slot, however, the benefit and convenience of a card reader is up to you.

2) Turbo Memory is "integrated." Meaning that there is a designated slot for it inside of the notebook.

3) I have never heard of an ExpressCard SSD before.

4) I do believe that SDHC cards work best for ReadyBoost, but then again I am not definite.

 

haaa thanks!

I will stick with the express card.

So that means that later in the future, SSD, before being widely used inlaptops/desktops, will be available in the express card format ?

Like the Lexar one, or others ...

S.

 

Oops, didn't realize there were SSDs for ExpressCard slots. My mistake.

SSDs aren't highly utilized as of now. I would be surprised if SSDs in the ExpressCard format took off in popularity. But that's just me.

 

Thanks! The battery thing just help me a lot (and avoid confusion)! I alsore read somewhere about the recall of certain 9 cell battery from Lenovo

And thanks for the SD/express card - Now I can see. I guess an express card will be more useful.

By the way - does anybody knows if the lenovo warranty is somehow ok ?
One of my main question is: do you have to pay for your own shipping if you have to send your laptop fro repair if it is still under warranty ?

I have an hap - I sent it once, and they pay fedex 2nd day back and forth.

S.