Y510p questions

Hey all, I've been lurking on this forum for about a week now, trying to get as much info on current laptops as I could. My old laptop died a couple of weeks ago.

I want to get a new one that isn't going to be out of date as soon as I get it, and that will last at least 3 years. I do all the basic tasks on a computer, and play League of Legends and Guild Wars 2. IDC about a CD drive, and a FHD screen is preferred.

So now I'm about ready to make my decision, but I have a couple of questions before I put that big dent in my bank account...

I'm really liking the y510p from Lenovo, and with an online coupon I can get the one with FHD for $889 (just about $950 with taxes...)

The second one on the site here goes for $889 with a Barnes and Noble code, which I think is a pretty good deal.
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops...-series/y510p/



So my questions are -
Can I upgrade this model with an M.2 ssd in the future, and still keep the 1tb hdd? I'm not very familiar with SSD's, but it looks like they're about to be the next big thing for mainstream laptops, and I don't want to buy this and then have it out of date in a year....

For ~$50 (incl. taxes) I can get the same model with a 24GB ssd, but I think that's overpaying, and probably won't add much in terms of performance. (Unless I'm wrong.) If I wait it out another few months, I'll probably get double the performance at half the price. That being said, will I see that much difference that it'd be worth the extra cash?


And then, if anyone knows of anything that won't cost more than $1000 including shipping and taxes that might be a better deal, what would you suggest? I'm in college and I really can't go to $1100 etc... it's gotta be ringing up under $1000.


Thanks for the help, it's really appreciated!

 

1.If you buy a model without the M.2 SSD, Lenovo will take away the connector to cut costs, so no.

2. Your 23GB of most used software will have a significant performance impact. Also, even without the SSD, thanks to intel Rapid Start Technology, this laptop boots pretty fast.

3. If you are borderline at 1000$, this is an option, though it lacks SSD, and is 1 pound heavier. The GPU is a GTX765M, which is far better than the single 750m/755m in the Y510p. However a Y510p with SLI is about 20% more powerful than the GTX765M. Oh, and this laptop has better battery life than the Y510p, due to a bigger battery, explaining the weight. XOTIC PC | Sager NP7352 (Clevo W350ST)

 

No. If you don't order one with the SSD, you won't get the connector. Better see this thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ideapad-essential/726470-42mm-m-2-ssd-y510p.html

Also, if you require a better wireless card, or one that gets the 5 GHz band, you NEED TO call Lenovo, and special order your configuration. They have the new AC cards available, but none of the on-line models offer the dual bands. If you call them, you can "build" your Y510p, to your needs. Also, you can haggle with them to get the price down, or some extra incentives. Once you build your machine on the phone, STOP. Get them to send you a PO (Purchase Order) to your e-mail address, listing your special order. That way you have a written confirmation of everything your sales phone rep has told you, and the exact details on your order. Then, when you're ready to pull the plug on the laptop that you have customized, you can pay for it on line, send them a check, or do nothing but cancel the PO. You can always shop for another "deal" from them at their next DOORBUSTER sale.

IMHO The biggest mistake a lot of buyers have in this forum, is the "gotta have it tomorrow" mentality. When you pay $1K for some laptop, you shouldn't treat the purchase like a gumball dispenser. "Drop in a penny, and see what color pops out"? That's what these on-line deals do for you. You get run of the mill production. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but with a custom build, every step in the manufacturing will have your name on it. After all, you're not buying a throw away, cheapo phone. Your buying a piece of technology that you'll rely on, every day, to work without giving you any problems.

If you "cheap out" now, you may regret it in a year. Sit down, and make a list of what requirements you need in a laptop. Are you comfortable with Windows 8, without a touch screen? Do you want a Synaptic, or "industry standard" touch pad? Will you use a second display? If you do, do you "always" want to be cabled (HDMI, VGA) to it, or does WiDi trip your switch. If it does, you have to get all Intel (Processor/WiFi Card/HD Video Display) options. (though you also can have the Nvidia GPU card) What's the watt rating of the charger?

Go to Lenovo's ipbook and see what their "standard" configurations are, on all of their laptops:

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/psref441.pdf

After that, if you really want a Y510p, see this Hardware Maintenance Manual (HMM), to see what other wireless cards you can order with your custom build:

Hardware Maintenance Manual - IdeaPad Y410p, Y510p

I think with a little haggling, you could stick to your budget via the on the phone sales. You really don't know until you've tried.

Yeah I know my "method" takes a little time, and it's your money, but a knee jerk reaction when buying a laptop on SALE SALE SALE, can lead you to some disappointment down the road.

Think before you drink the koolaid.

Just saying...

 

@Dragnoak

I just found out that some of the more recent models start shipping with the connector. Though i recommend dipping the 50$ just to be safe + M.2 drives are still rare as hell.

 

Thanks jobine702!

On further review, it looks like you can't special order any more Y4/510p's, as those models "dropped" out of the psref books.

Edit: The IdeaPad section is dated June 2013, Version 437, so maybe those models haven't even made it in that reference book yet.

I think that a custom build is still a good way to go. I hate the term "industry standard". WHUT

I need everything S P E L T out to me, in writing, before I plunk down the money. :laugh:

 

So the Y410p/Y510p are discontinued? Or are there just technical issues?

What do you mean by custom build?

 

No, not a tech issue. It's appears to be a "publishing" issue. June was the release date of the 10's, and they haven't updated the psref to include them yet.

Custom build? How could you get any of the other WiFi cards, unless you order a custom build via the phone?

I'm probably crazy, but I can't imagine any company that publishes a Hardware Maintenance Manual, that lists a variety of different WiFi cards, without SOME way to order/buy the laptop with the "better" card installed. After all, we all know that you can't buy an upgraded WiFi card once the laptop leaves the factory, without the BIOS mod.

Stay tuned. I have asked this question to those who should know. If I get an answer, I'll let you know. If I don't get an answer, I'll go MIA. :cry:

Edit 12:30 AM: My contact confirmed "That's a fact Jack"! It you have the current HMM, that lists the approved WiFi cards for the model (Y510p or Y410p) that you are thinking of buying, and the psref book that breaks down the individual Type-Model + Part Number that closely matches the system you want, you're all set to pick up the phone and call Lenovo sales. Tell the rep the Type-Model + processor you want included as the base, from the psref. All other options you should be able to pick, and choose (Display type/Memory/Drive Size + Drive speed/mSATA + Size/WiFi Card/OS-7 OR 8). Of course, some options may not work with some other option that you previously selected. The rep will guide you in the selection, and tell you about any mismatch. It's a give, and take process. All through this process you should be asking questions, and haggling. i.e. "If I wanted to put in the 64 GB mSata, instead of the 16GB, and go with the 500GB 7200RPM SATA hard drive, vice the 750GB 5400RPM, how much money will that save me"? Don't forget to ask about the battery, and the adapter size. Finally, when you have your system built on paper, have the rep issue you a Purchase Order (PO) detailing your laptop, and all the customizations. Ask him to speak to his supervisor, about if there is any special discount, or a secret one day code that you can use to get the price down even further. The rep really wants this sale, and he should be doing everything to close the deal. The purchase order should be good for one month after they issue it. If your satisfied with what's on the PO, you can pay for it on-line, or write them a check. As soon as the money clears their bank, they'll start building your custom order.

I think/hope the psref ipbook for the 10's will be out soon.

Cheers

DragonRider

 

So basically, when i ordered my Y410p, i could have told them to include Wireless AC + 4702 processor (which generates way less heat btw)?


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