x201 arriving today, any tips and hints?

So after what seems like an eternity (tho in reality was only about 9 days), my x201 is en route and should be here today (providing I can track down the UPS guy). I have a few upgrades ready to go and want to make sure that I am not missing anything in my plan of action/initial setup.

1. Boot the computer up, verify everything works then use ABR Beta to backup my activation.
2. Shutdown computer install additional 2GB of RAM and 90GB OCZ Vertex 2.
3. Install fresh copy of W7x64 HP from USB stick (already have it all set with all the drivers/updates from the x201(x/i/t) matrix page). From what I read W7 should align the SSD itself and no need for me to do anything special.
4. Install the drivers in the following order (reboot between each):

+ Windows Install Supplements - Intel 3, 4, 5, 800, 900, 3400 Series Chipsets
Intel Server/Workstation Chipsets
+ Intel Rapid Storage Technology Driver
+ Power Management Driver
+ Intel HD Graphics Driver
+ Audio
+ TrackPoint Driver
+ Intel Wireless LAN (bg, abg, abgn)
+ Hotkey utility
+ Intel PRO/1000 LAN Adapter Software
+ Communications: Modem
+ Registry Patch enabling Wake on LAN from Standby for ENERGY STAR Version 4.0
+ KB958685
+ KB977419
+ KB978258
+ KB979155

I believe this covers everything that is specific to my x201 I do have two questions tho, what is the Intel AMT thing all about on the matrix download page? And lastly is there anything special I should consider for the SSD, I am aware of the tweaks for better 4K performance, but I was going to get a feel for the system 1st to see if I can notice any difference in performance.
Also please feel free to point out anything else I have missed.

 

I went through the same process the day I got my thinkpad.

Basically I booted the thinkpad to check if it was configured properly and included everything I had ordered (this is lenovo after all).

I upgraded the RAM to 8GB and dropped in a 120GB OCZ SSD (make sure your SSD seats properly -- you may need to install the drive without the HDD caddy, just using the rubber rails)

Then I booted with Win7x64 DVD using an external USB DVD drive.

I installed the wireless drivers from USB, connected to the internet and updated windows.

After windows update, I installed Thinkvantage System Update and let it update drivers and install the handy if clunky thinkvantage software suite.

Worked like a charm and much easier than installing each driver yourself.

 

Thanks, I was thinking of going that route, tho I have heard that Thinkvantage may not pick up all the drivers and I was trying to avoid any of the Thinkvantage bloat.

 

Sounds like a good plan. I don't install drivers in any particular order though. I just toss mostly everything on then do 1 restart.

After I install all the programs I want, and all the newest updates, I disable all updates except for Antivirus. Java/Adobe/anything... I mostly clean up the registry of any .exe that points to an update and if I feel really pumped up I delete Java update and all that crap (jusched.exe and similar junk). Then I go through Windows Services, then disable anything I find unneccessary. Same for Scheduled Tasks (I usually delete lots and lots from there).

Btw, both my OCZ amd Mushkin SSDs worked just fine in its default caddy on X200.

 

I'm glad you asked that question. I was wondering the same thing.

I picked up my X201 last night around 21:00 and finished a clean install on 120GB SSD and all programs I need 7 1/2 hrs later (went to bed around 4:35 am and woke up for work 30 min later). Damn! Lenovo has tons of drivers for this thing. I just did the deathhilarious method and DLed all the drivers needed and installed them with minimal restarts, everything runs smoothly.

My machine came in from Shanghai with a few loose screws with some squeaky joints/gaps. Did you have this problem? I'm thinking about tearing it down and checking everything.

 

Sigh! I hope our forum friends won't dismiss this as a one-off complaint!

Loose screws! Fit-and-finish "bugs" in various incarnations! I've noticed more than enough with ThinkPad notebooks in recent years.

 

Well, I tightened everything up that I could reach externally and everything is nice and sold... except for the area above the "5-1 Media Card Reader" (maybe an internal screw loose?).

 

Before you get all anal about everything, just soak it up for a bit.

 

I haven't run into that problem (in fact my notebook is incredibly solid -- kudos to Lenovo for that at least). I've got a bit of flex on the right side of the keyboard, but nothing to complain about.

Maybe your problem is similar to this: http://forum.notebookreview.com/lenovo-ibm/174018-loose-screws.html (tightening the hinge screws seems to have solved it there)

 

I’m not really worried too much, the X201 is a sweet machine.

EDIT: Since you edited out my response that was a joke with some truth too it let me just say out of all my former notebooks the X201 is the most poorly assembled one I ever had.

Toshiba Tecra 8k = SOLID
XPS M170 = SOLID
VAIO SZ = Kind of solid but a delicate flower internally
VAIO VPC12 = SOLID
X201 = poor quality control on the assembly line? Who knows, may have the best internal architecture of the all??

Another much older VAIO, older Fujitsu, and even the much bashed (on the forums at least, that I’ve had running 24/7 since 1999) ECS Desknote A928 was assembled better than this. I am a little disappointed. The older IBMs I used in the past left an impression and I expected more from Lenovo.

I still think it was worth the 900 USD I purchased it for.
After tightening the screws it’s pretty solid, maybe the assemblers were in a hurry because of the holiday sales? I’m just afraid of what the guts look like (O_O)’