T500 Build and Questions

I was wondering how is this build for $1,698.93
I'm going to buy an extra 2gb RAM from neweggs for ~30 dollars. Also, should I get the 128 GB SSD instead for an extra 41 dollars? I'm not sure who makes the 128 SSD for Lenovo. Can someone tell me if it is any good? Another other suggestions? Thanks!

Edit: I forgot to ask, the T6x keyboards still work on the T500 with the new chassis right? Also I heard there are 2 versions of the T6x keyboard? MNS(?) and something else, which one is better? Lastly, where can you get them?

 

IMO, get a regular HD and an external HD unless you really need the SSD and the extra 40GB. I think Samsung makes the SSD, but dont quote me on that.

 

The 64GB and 128GB options are Samsung MLC drives. They are very good SSDs from a random R/W perspective and will not stutter. However, they only have mid grade sequential performance (90 MB/s read, 70 MB/s write).

The 80GB option is the Intel x-18M (1.8" version of the x-25M). It is arguably the best SSD available now from a performance perspective. It has a controller that aggressively employs write combining and parallel reads to achieve >200 MB/s sequential reads and very good performance on simultaneous small random writes. The only possible issue with the Intel SSD is long term reduced performance due to internal fragmentation as a result of write combining (only a problem with EXTREMELY heavy workloads).

My recommendation would be to get either the 64GB Samsung or 80GB Intel. You really only need an SSD large enough for your OS and applications. Bulk data storage (e.g. video, music, photos) work just fine on a HDD (either external USB, NAS, or a 2.5" drive in the UltraBay [with adapter]). You may also want to read the SSD effects link in my signature (I use a 1.8" Samsung 64GB SLC SSD but you'll get a general idea of the differences).

I know the T61 keyboard is compatible with the T500. I'm not positive about the T60 keyboard, but it might fit as well [T61 is a safe bet]. There are technically three brands of ThinkPad keyboards but two of them (Chicony and NMB) are by far more common.

Which one is better is largely a matter of personal preference. My ThinkPads have generally had Chicony keyboards. These have a bit stronger tactile feedback, but also make a little extra noise (not ideal for use in a lecture hall for example). The NMB is preferred by many, is of great quality, and quiet. Some people that are used to Chicony find the NMB a bit soft at first, but you generally adapt to it. I don't have them in front of me, but each model has a different FRU number (this is the best way to search for a ThinkPad part).

You can order T61 keyboards from a variety of sources (e.g. IBM Medic), but the easiest method is just to Google the FRU and compare prices. However, I would recommend that you try the T500 with the stock keyboard for a week to see if you find it satisfactory before spending money to replace it with the heavier T61 version.

 

Thank you for the input. I've spent hours trying to find the model of the Lenovo SSD. I've actually read the SSD review, which is one reason why I decided on a SSD. I guess I'll stick with the Intel 80GB.

Lastly, is that a good price for that configuration?

 

jonlumpkin covered everything very very well in his post. To add on, the T60 keyboard also works in the T500.

The price seems a bit high - it's not great. Perhaps take a look around and see if you can find a better on the SSD seperately than from Lenovo.

 

hmm...Even with a 4 year warranty+ accidental damage? Also, the SSD costs 282.90 extra, which is the cheapest that I can find.
It's about $1367 without the warranty.

Also should I deleted the lenovo partitions from the SSD? How do I go about doing that?

Thanks!