x220 pricing and options

[richarddd]

Is $686 plus $60 tax a good price for

Condition Refurbished
Processor Intel® Core™ i5-2540M (2.6GHz base; 3.3GHz Max Turbo, 3MB Cache)
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Professional 64 - English
Total Memory 4GB PC3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SDRAM SODIMM Memory
Hard Drive 320GB, 7200RPM Serial ATA 2.5" Hard Drive
Display 12.5” HD WXGA (1366 X 768) IPS, LED, W/ 720p HD Camera
Graphics Intel® HD Graphics 3000
Optical Device Optical Not Included
Keyboard/Pointing Device UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad)
Battery 9 Cell Lithium Ion Battery (Up to 2.8 Hours Run Time)
Ethernet/Wireless Intel® Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (2x2 AGN)
Mobile Broadband Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network upgradable
Bluetooth Yes
Integrated Camera Yes
Color Black
Fingerprint Reader Yes
Form Factor Laptop
Limited Warranty 1 Year Depot Warranty

What's the current mSata recommendation?

Will more RAM make any noticeable difference? I usually just run a browser with a bunch of open tabs, but sometimes edit photos with lightroom or CS5 or convert video with handbrake

2.8 hours run time seems short for the 9 cell battery, doesn't it?

The outlet store's terms and conditions seem to say, in essence, just because we processed your order does not mean we have stock or will deliver to you. Is this a real issue?

And this will be cooler and quieter (and faster and better screen) than my x61s, won't it?

[Atreides]

Is $686 plus $60 tax a good price for
>Yes, that is a pretty fair price.

What's the current mSata recommendation?
>Intel's 310 are always good, I've heard positive things about Renice's offerings too.

Will more RAM make any noticeable difference? I usually just run a browser with a bunch of open tabs, but sometimes edit photos with lightroom or CS5 or convert video with handbrake
>Probably not, but monitor your RAM usage and see if you could use more. 8gb is so cheap you can upgrade later if you feel you need it, I saw an 8gb kit for sale for $25 on Newegg the other day.

2.8 hours run time seems short for the 9 cell battery, doesn't it?
>That has to be a typo.

The outlet store's terms and conditions seem to say, in essence, just because we processed your order does not mean we have stock or will deliver to you. Is this a real issue?
>I haven't heard of many people having issues with the outlet, but I can't say for sure.

And this will be cooler and quieter (and faster and better screen) than my x61s, won't it?
>Largely rhetorical, I can say my X200s was an improvement in all those areas over my X60s.

[ZaZ]

I have the 80GB Intel, but only cause when I bought, they were the only option. I think if I were in the market I think I'd get this. Kingston is a well known brand and I don't think there will be much of a performance difference between the drives.

As for the memory I say get the 4GB stick and see how it goes. You can always upgrade later if needed.

I only had one problem with the outlet, which was credit card issue that once cleared up, shipped right away.

My X220i runs very cool and quiet.

[richarddd]

My notebook shipped and is scheduled to be delivered the beginning of next week

I decided to go for the MyDigitalSSD 128gb msata.

I found a lower price on the outlet the day after I ordered and a phone rep said they would make an exception and give me price protection once it shipped. They haven't processed it, but it's only been one day. I have screen shots and the reps contact info, so I'm hoping there won't be an issue.

[wolfman]

So how do you like your 128gb mSATA now that you've been using it a few months? Thanks!