Took the leap - new T61p - now, questions

[atekant]

A new, shiny (well, matte, I suppose) T61p is on its way. Hopefully I will be playing with it middle of next week.

Now, it's time to start planning for the switch from my trusty T40p.
Several questions:

- I would really like to just dump the recovery partition, and use the HD to its full capacity. Can I do that with the OEM Vista license that comes with the TP, or will I need to use a new full (update?) licensed version of Vista. What is the best way to go about that - use a Vista install DVD? Or is there a way to create a recovery DVD that I can use after repartitioning the drive?

- I always use a separate partition for my data/documents/etc., so I can backup/restore easily using imaging software. I am intrigued with the idea of using the built-in memory card reader as a separate hard drive. has anyone have any idea about the speed/reliability of the built-in reader? I am looking at a 8GB memory card. Has anyone tried a large capacity SDHC in a T61p yet? Any ideas on extra battery usage?

- I have an IDE HD bay adapter and several IDE hard drives already that I can use (7200 Hitachis). Would there be enough performance gain to justify buying a SATA bay adapter and a SATA drive to use in the bay?

Thanks
(giggly like a school-girl)

[SHoTTa35]

for the recovery stuff you'll need to create recovery discs and then format the machine if you want full space. You have to set the BIOS to allow showing of the Pre-Desktop area otherwise you wont be able to format it to get full space. Before you format tho get the key installed in your system with some of those key finders or use the one on the bottom.

This next part some might consider "illegal" but to each his own and delete this if need be - but you'll probably have to download the OEM version of Vista from some where because i don't think the key on the bottom will work with a RETAIL disc.

For the HDs, to use them in the UltraBay you'll need to buy or use to T4x UltraBay HD adapters to use the IDE drives in the T61. I maybe be wrong on that part but check if there's a T6x series IDE ultrabay adapter available.

[atekant]

For the HDs, to use them in the UltraBay you'll need to buy or use to T4x UltraBay HD adapters to use the IDE drives in the T61. I maybe be wrong on that part but check if there's a T6x series IDE ultrabay adapter available.

Thanks for the info.
According to an answer to a question I asked here before, the T4x HD bay adapter is compatible with the T6x. And the Lenovo rep confirmed that as well.

[erik]

This next part some might consider "illegal" but to each his own and delete this if need be - but you'll probably have to download the OEM version of Vista from some where because i don't think the key on the bottom will work with a RETAIL disc.

with the recovery DVD there's no need to use the license key on the bottom of the machine.   it'll be installed with a lenovo-issued volume license key when recovered.   there's nothing illegal about that.

[atekant]

with the recovery DVD there's no need to use the license key on the bottom of the machine.   it'll be installed with a lenovo-issued volume license key when recovered.

Eric,
So, when I recover from the DVD, it won't mess up the new partitions and re-create the recovery partition?

Cool!

[johnvndnbrk]

Congrats! I know what you mean about the 5Gig or so of protected recovery space. I am not completely sure if I understand your main question, but can confirm that the Ultra-slim HDD Bay used for your T43 will be compatable with your T61p. A HDD Bay for a SATA drive, though, i.e. T60 and above has a notch on the corner preventing it from be used with your T43 - just an FYI.

Also, having used both IDE and SATA drives at 7200rpm in the Ultrabays, I have not noticed a difference. If this is used for backup purposes only you may not even notice.

I use SmartSync Pro to backup my Office/Outlook and project files and it works terrific. I also use Acronis to create an image of the new drive, rather than the restore CD/DVDs. Before booting into Windows I boot using Acronis and backup the image to my large USB HD (you can also backup to the Ultrabay drive but would need to boot from an external USB CD drive, obviously). A restore of this image to either a new or existing HD for refresh takes about 20 mins, which is much faster than a restore from the actual CDs.

Good luck and enjoy your new notebook!

John