W500 Ordering Questions?

I think I have settled with a W500. It seems like the better deal compared to the T500 and includes 512 video ram instead of 256. Before I order I wanted to ask a few questions.

1. How is the wsga+ screen? Does it make any difference which screen you get if you get the camera or not? Do they use different models wiht one being superior?

2. Is the fingerprint reader worth the 30 dollars? I have never used them before.

3. How does vista runon this laptop? SHould i go with vista or the xp downgrade?

Thanks.

 

1.) It is luck of the draw. I have the wsxga+ screen on my T61p and was worried before I got it. Once I started it up the first time, i was pleasantly surprised. I have no complaints, I love it. I don't think the choice of the camera has any bearing on the screen they will use for you. They use LG and Samsung screens. There has been huge debates as to whether one is better than the other. Search the forum, there are TONS of threads on this.

2.) If I was to order my machine again I don't think I would get the fingerprint reader. Save you money and spend it for ram or a faster harddrive.

3.) Vista should be ok on this laptop. Just make sure you have 2+ GB of Ram installed for smooth performance. As to whether you should go to Vista or XP, I can't say. Xp is technically supported till 2014. Its up to you. I choose Vista just to check it out and that it was new. I don't even use Windows 99.9% of the time, I use Linux, so it was not a big deal to me.

 

Vista runs pretty well with 2GB of ram. Disabling some processes will make it even faster.

If memory serves, my w500 started with around 85 process on first boot. I managed to cut that down to 65. I didn't need to do a clean install

 

Would it be recommended to go with 32 or 64 bit vista? Also, if I would buy a harddrive upgrade myself, how hard is it to reinstall the software. Does Lenovo include regular Vista install cd, or recovery cds or how does that work?

 

I went for the 32 bit Version of Vista because I have software that run on 32bit XP that I'm hoping can run on Vista.

I guess it depends on the software that you will be using and whether it can be run on 32 bit or 64 bit Vista.

Lenovo includes a recovery DVD for Win XP if you request for it. It is free of charge when you order your system. You need to make your own recovery cds for the Vista that is installed in your notebook.

 

It depends. I decided to use Vista 64 and happy with using a 64 bit OS. If you interface with a lot of old hardware that does not have drivers for 64 Vista or old 16 programs and installers then I would say stick with Vista 32. I am using all new hardware and use a few old games so I choose Vista 64, not to mention that I wanted all 4GB of my memory to be recognized by the system.

 

a friend of mine got his T61P with wsxga+ and my W500 has the wuxga i dont really notice the difference on linux

 

I just got my W500 and its running 84 processes at startup....

How did you get yours down?

Thanks.