X220 Purchase - Choosing RAM, Storage and OS options

I'm hoping someone can help me to decide a few things for my x220 purchase:

1) Should I pay Lenovo Canada $60 or more for the upgrade from 2 to 4 GB ram? Seems 2 GB sodimm's sell for $30 in stores, or less, and I've had plenty of experience disassembling T41's and T61's... so, is Lenovo's RAM better to the extent I should pay double???

2) I will buy a rotating HDD now. When I want to upgrade to an SSD later (which is also cheaper from other suppliers), will I need to buy another copy of Windows 7?

3) Does anyone think a student on a campus needs windows 7 Pro for any reason (I'm not a power user and don't play any "real" games)?

Many thanks!

 

1. No.

2. No, you can just clone the disk.

3. Check if your school will give you Windows 7 for free, I know mine does. Though, there shouldn't be any need for Windows 7 Professional.

 

1. Definitely not. You can find 8GB of RAM for ~60 bucks easily on NewEgg and other online retailers. It's also very simple to install. Just unscrew and pop open the RAM panel on the back and plug them in (no need for a dissassembly).

2. No, you can make a copy of your exisiting HDD. I prefer doing a clean install, so if you're like me, you might want to get a new copy of Windows 7.

3. Windows 7 Pro can act as a Remote Desktop Server (other computers can connect to yours) which you may or may not find useful. Most likely you won't need it though.

Plus, like the poster above me, most schools will give you Win 7 for free, usually the ultimate edition. I've already gotten several copies of 7 professional/ultimate from my classes/department at a University.

 

1.- I added my 2GB stick to my X120e (total 4GB) for $14, including tax and shipping. Do it yourself and save some money.

2.- With an SSD, you will want to do a clean install for alignment purposes. But, you will not need to buy another copy of W7 other than the one your X220 will come with.

3.- Generally, no.

 

Thanks for the replies. Off I go to buy!