X230 Specs Confirmation

[simsim]

Hello - Long time lurker, finally ready to pull the trigger on a laptop..This will be my first ThinkPad, so bear with me if I ask anything dumb!

I've spec'd out a X230 while the sale is going on, and wanted to get some feedback on my build:

Intel Core i5-3320M Processor (3M Cache, up to 3.30 GHz)
Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit)
12.5" Premium HD (1366x768) LED Backlit Display, Mobile Broadband Ready, 2x2 Antenna
Intel HD 4000 Graphics in Intel Core i5-3320M Processor
4 GB DDR3 - 1600MHz (1 DIMM)
Keyboard Backlit - US English
UltrNav with FingerPrint Reader
720p HD Camera
320GB Hard Disk Drive, 7200rpm
6 Cell ThinkPad Battery X44+
65W AC Adapter - US (2pin)
Intel Centrino Wireless-N 2200 (2x2 BGN)
Mobile Broadband upgradable

I've done some research, and I know I want the backlit keyboard, webcam, and the fingerprint reader. (I know there are varying opinions out there on whether these are needed/useful or not )

Also, I plan on upgrading the RAM and HDD to a SSD in the aftermarket and have a few questions:
- Can anyone suggest popular RAM upgrades?
- As far as SSD, I'm leaning towards getting a 256GB Crucial M4 to replace the 320GB HDD - is this a good idea? or should I get a mSATA SSD and keep the 320 HDD?
- How hard is it to install all the software on a new SSD?

Unrelated to that, is anyone planning on upgrading to Windows 8? Does Lenovo offer a discounted upgrade?

I think that is about it..for now Thanks!

[ZaZ]

I don't know what you're paying, but you might want to check the outlet too, though you only get a one year warranty that's difficult to upgrade. Typical usage doesn't benefit much from the CPU, and the difference between Sandy and Ivy Bridge is very small. Where Ivy shines is in the graphics department. It's about twice as fast as Sandy. That along with USB 3.0 are the benefits of the X230. I've seen X220 with the i3 Sandy Bridge with IPS as low as $500ish and the i5 around $550ish. That may require some patience to get, but from a value perspective is tough to beat.

I would buy memory on price. ThinkPads don't care these days.

I have the mSATA + HDD on my X220i. It's quite slick and the best of both worlds, speed and storage. Speed doesn't matter much for storage. I might even suggest bumping up to the 500GB 5400RPM drive.

You may use the recovery discs, cloning software or do a clean install of Windows. The choice is yours. I prefer the clean install and make an image that I can put back at any time in minutes, but it is more time consuming on the front end.

I had a chance to review a HP laptop with Windows 8. I liked the start screen, but don't think I'd spend the price of a full upgrade. I believe all PCs bought now are eligible for the upgrade, but I haven't been following too close as I've not bought a PC that qualified. Good luck and welcome to TPF.

[simsim]

I don't know what you're paying, but you might want to check the outlet too, though you only get a one year warranty that's difficult to upgrade. Typical usage doesn't benefit much from the CPU, and the difference between Sandy and Ivy Bridge is very small. Where Ivy shines is in the graphics department. It's about twice as fast as Sandy. That along with USB 3.0 are the benefits of the X230. I've seen X220 with the i3 Sandy Bridge with IPS as low as $500ish and the i5 around $550ish. That may require some patience to get, but from a value perspective is tough to beat.

I would buy memory on price. ThinkPads don't care these days.

I have the mSATA + HDD on my X220i. It's quite slick and the best of both worlds, speed and storage. Speed doesn't matter much for storage. I might even suggest bumping up to the 500GB 5400RPM drive.

You may use the recovery discs, cloning software or do a clean install of Windows. The choice is yours. I prefer the clean install and make an image that I can put back at any time in minutes, but it is more time consuming on the front end.

I had a chance to review a HP laptop with Windows 8. I liked the start screen, but don't think I'd spend the price of a full upgrade. I believe all PCs bought now are eligible for the upgrade, but I haven't been following too close as I've not bought a PC that qualified. Good luck and welcome to TPF.

Thanks for the reply.. the machine i spec'd was $960 or so.. I think i'm going to pull the trigger as the 12% off deal ends tomorrow.

My only real concern is the trackpad - i've heard mixed reviews.

[bill bolton]

upgrading to Windows 8? Does Lenovo offer a discounted upgrade?

Since you are buying now, you will be eligible for a low cost update (I think its about $15 or so) when Win 8 is released.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[ZaZ]

My only real concern is the trackpad - i've heard mixed reviews.

It's serviceable, but don't expect Apple like fluidity. The stick as always works great.