X220 Purchase Input

Finally going to take the plunge.

What do you think?

Intel Core i3-2310M Processor (2.1GHz, 3MB L3, 1333MHz FSB)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit 4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)
720p HD Camera
320 GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
ThinkPad Battery 29+ (6 cell)
Bluetooth 3.0
Integrated WiFi wireless LAN adapters10
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
2 Yr Onsite + 2Yr Thinkpad Protection

$918.44

Should I do without the warranty?

 

Personally I would do without the additional warranty and bump the battery up to the 9-cell.

The warranty is largely personal preference: I usually find that components tend to fail early (ie, before 1 year is up) or late in the laptop's usable lifespan, so I don't spend extra money for it. I am also exceedingly careful with electronics in general, and have never had an incident where accidental warranty would have helped.

The 9-cell is available for a minimal upgrade price over the 6-cell, which is well worth it in my opinion. Yes, it makes the laptop a bit heavier and sticks out the back, but the latter proves more useful to me than as a detriment. If you wanted a 9-cell battery aftermarket, it would be significantly more expensive than the 6-cell: I think it's more worth it getting it now.

Other than that, looks good!

 

I like the Onsite warranty because it saves the mail-in time, while being able to explain to the technicians about the problem and watch him repair to make sure the problem is resolved. My ThinkPad T60 got a fan noise problem in the 3rd year (right before the 3yr Onsite warranty expired), and I got it repaired very quickly. That gave me a very nice impression upon ThinkPad service.

You've got a reasonable spec there. I can't complain. If you decide to switch to the 9 cell battery, keep in mind that it is asymmetric, and some people might think it ugly. I didn't like it at first, but now I like the long battery life.

 

1 - IMHO: I would keep the warranty. If not for piece of mind, if you go to sell it in a year or two more people will be interested if it comes with a warranty.

2 - I am not sure where you are, & if it is available to you, but did you try running that config through the Barnes & Noble/ Lenovo site?

(I think that is the correct link; if cookies are not enabled you might have to click start a new session when you go there)

I just went there and I believe I ran those same specs through and came up with a cost of $852, and, if it is like the other times I have checked, will include free shipping.

They always have some special going on with a code, this time, the code is "ULTRAPORTABLES"

FWIW, I hope that it works out for you.


Have a Magical Day

 

thanks for all the input guys.

I'm on the fence about the warranty now. For the record, I'm not selling the laptop in the future.

I trust that I will be extra careful with my laptop, but i still like the accidental protection.

I'd really like to be as light as possible, so I'm reluctant to get the 9 cell battery. But it is beneficial, to not need to carry a power supply.

How any hours does a 6 cell give?



PS: I am in the US, so I'll try the barnes & lenovo site.

 

6 cell seems to give 6-7 actual hours, the 9 cell gives me 9-13

 

If the warranty makes you feel comfortable, keep it.

 

If I'm not mistaken you can always purchase a warranty later as long as its in the first year. They will probably retroactively apply it to your purchase date in that case. I would just keep it though and if it gives you peace of mind, all the more reason =)

 

I would go i5 instead of i3.
Keep RAM at 2GB and add a 4GB stick seperately (or 2x 4GB). 4GB is like $25-30
Same with HDD, can be added seperately.

 

It's far more expensive adding it on later, so I'd suggest making the big decisions now: your wallet will thank you.

 

thanks for all your input guys,

I wish I could use an i5, but I don't really have a good reason to get it.

I know I would feel better if I knew I had an i5 under the hood. Just because it's an i5.

I would also choose a 2X2GB config except that 4gb was the base option.

 

let's say i don't go with any warranty upgrade, but a processor one...

is a change from i3 to i5-2520M worth 75$ in the long run (ie. 5-6yrs)?

 

what do you plan to use your x220 for? if you don't game/ use intensive apps there's no reason to choose i5 over i3. i3 handles office apps/ browsing/ multitasking just as well as i5/i7. i've been using the old generation i3 380 processor in my t410i in the past half a year or so and i'm very satisfied with it.

a post-purchase ssd upgrade (let's say intel 310 80gb) would bring a huge performance bump to your machine, i'd save the $ for that.

also, the price is a bit high. at your config i won't expect to pay more than $700. try the barnes and noble link

 

+1
I'm using Dell XPS M1330 that came with 3 years on site warranty. Saved me from a lot of trouble and expense. You probably all know the heating problem of that machine. So far they've changed things 3 times - 3 times motherboard+gpu+processor and the last time they even gave me a brand new/a better cooling unit.

Another reason why I prefer on site service is because I don't want others to look into my research works and saves a lot of time as well. Needless to say it reduces the risk of your lappy being banged up with other stuffs whilst in the postal service.

I was thinking of getting that i7 core as well. But if it gets that hot then I may have to rethink.

 

In six years any processor you buy is going to be old regardless of whether it's an i3, i5 or i7. I don't see it making much difference.