media card reader, ultrabase, windows 7 disc

Hello,

I'm on the verge of placing an order for an x200 tablet
but I have a couple of remaining questions

1) Why would anybody choose the 3-in-1 media card reader over the 5-in-1 reader? Is there a difference in battery consumption? when not in use? Is there a substantial weight difference?
If there is a difference, then what cards do they each support?

2) I've read on the forums here that there are sometimes sales for accessories. Do these sales include the ultrabase? If so, how much of a discount is there typically? The current CAPSCARYDEALS gives 30% off, but I'd hold off on the ultrabase if I can get a bigger discount down the road...

3) I asked a sales rep if Windows 7 installation media is provided, and I was told that there is the option of burning a recovery disc. I then asked if this disc would include both 32 and 64-bit options, and was told that it does not. In retrospect, that makes total sense... but I just want to confirm this with people with first-hand experience, because if this is indeed the case then I would think a little more carefully about choosing 64 over 32-bit...
On a related note, is there a hidden recovery partition on the disc? (which would obviate the need for a recovery disc)

Thanks!

 

1) Apparently if you choose the 3 in 1 option, you lose the 56k modem and this is done to save weight (probably a few grams at the most). I chose to keep the modem because without it, the bezel looks quite nasty where they closed up the hole.

2) If you customize your tablet to include the ultrabase, it should be included in the 30% off deal. Somehow I doubt they will offer a better deal on that at a later time. Dont forget that if you want the DVD burner you have to add it to the order.

3) The recovery discs you can create at any time and they will be either 32 or 64 bit depending on what version of Windows your tablet came with. Yes there is a recovery partition on the drive but if you ever wanted to upgrade the hard drive at a later date you will need a set of discs that will recreate the hidden partition.
For my T61, I called customer service saying that creating the recovery media failed and they sent me a set of original recovery discs for free under warranty

Good luck with your purchase!

 

And don't forget that the Ultrabase does not come with its own power adapter, so you may want to add one more power adapter to your order.

 

Thanks for the tips!

ckx: Does the Ultrabase require a separate power adapter? Or are you suggesting to get an extra one for convenience sake?

 

convenience sake. the base can be powered from the laptop

 

Okay thanks for the clarification!

 

Most people I know have a power adapter always attached to the Ultrabase, and they also want an adapter to carry with them when they go to school / travel / whatnot. So you want to have two.

I have never seen anyone using an Ultrabase unplugged, but if cassiohui says it works, then I guess it works.

 

The problem is what happens if the power goes out? If it was just the laptop, it should be able to stay on, so it's common practice for a docking station to be able to last at least a little while on laptop power.

 

What configuration are you looking at? I'd go for the 64bit OS and I second the ac adapter. I have two as well

 

Okay wait... now I'm a little confused...
Is it possible to use the included power adapter for the ultrabase? and then unplug the ultrabase and take the power adapter for the laptop at school/travel/etc?

 

yes. they're only suggesting that because whenever you dock/undock the laptop, you'll have to plugin the ac to ultrabase also. with 2nd ac adapter, you only dock the laptop and keep yourself from having to get to the back of the ultrabase, and maybe even move your desk around, to plugin the ac adapter.

 

Okay that makes sense. Thanks for the clarification

$44-55 is a bit steep for the convenience gained... but if I were to get an extra adapter, which is recommended? 65w or 90w?

 

90 for the dock, 65 for portability

 

Okay thanks.
And if I understand correctly, the adapter included with the laptop is the 65?

 

yes it's 65. i don't really know what benefit 90W gives over 65W. plus, there're some conflicting reports on this forum, that higher W adapter charges your battery faster, which then ruins your battery over time (the argument is over the second part). so if you wanna be on the safe side, get both 65W, or try not to charge your battery on ultrabase too much if you go with 90W for ultrabase. unless there's no effect on battery, in which case 90W will give you faster charge of battery.
plus, 90W's plug has 3 prongs, but 65W's is 2, if that makes any difference.

 

isn't convenience one of the main factors that led you to get ultraportable like x200t?

 

Thanks again! Do you have a rough idea how fast each charges the 8cell?

and yes, good point! convenience is in fact a big part of why I'm going for the x200t!
but personally I think the added convenience of an extra adapter is relatively minor

 

i don't know the charge time for 8cell, but the increase should be proportional to W, so your gain is 90/65. so you save about 30% of your charge time by going with 90W vs 65W.

there's a market for everything, as evidenced by many people recommending you to get 2 ac adapters.

 

lol true
Okay well, thanks so much for the prompt replies and all of the info
You've helped me immensely
Now time to make some decisions before that eCoupon expires!!!

 

no problem and good luck! everyone here seems to be very happy with their x200t's.