Buying X201...some questions.

Hi Guys,

This is my first ever Lenovo purchase so I have some questions. I've searched and haven't seen answers to these but I apologize if I'm being redundant. For reference, I'm going with the Core i5-540 or Core i7 (haven't decided yet), 9 cell battery to go with an additional 4 cell, 128 gb ssd, 4 gb ram in 1 DIMM. My questions are as follows:

1. Lenovo charges $300 to bump it up to 8 GB. I can get a stick of 4 GB from newegg for around $100 but I'm wondering if it's a bad idea to have two different makes of RAM in the machine? What brand does Lenovo typically go with? Anything I need to know other than getting PC3-8500 DDR3 at 1067 MHz?

2. What's the difference between the various wireless adapter options? I see one has Wi-Max but will the more expensive Intel options (Advanced-N or Ultimate-N) give me better range or something? If so it'd be well worth the relatively low cost increase.

3. Does the Ultrabase offer enhanced display output capability? I would consider it if it improved on the basic VGA out offered by the laptop itself but from the description it does not appear to so I'm not sure what advantage it actually offers.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

3. the ultrabase has a display port where you can convert to hdmi if you want or just use it as a display port

 

1. It's always best to use a "kit" (2 identical modules from the same manufacturer). My X201 came with memory made by Micron Technology (the term "brand" doesn't apply here). I believe you can use either PC3-8500 or PC3-10600 but I don't think it will make much difference since the faster PC3-10600 has a higher CAS latency. But then, I'm no expert on these matters.

2. Wi-Max will require a subscription to use. As for the wireless options, I've heard that the Advanced-N (6200) is a good option for little additional cost. Others will probably disagree, some will tell you there's little difference between them but it depends on what you do. For in-house wi-fi networks where you do a lot of streaming and file transfers, the Advanced or Ultimate would make a difference but for just ordinary web-surfing, the ThinkPad b/g/n is all you need. For the Advanced or Ultimate, you'll need a dual-band router to take advantage of the A/G/N. (802.11a runs at 5GHz).

3. The Ultrabase will give you a DisplayPort. Unless your monitor or TV has a DisplayPort connector, you'll have to buy an adapter (for DVI or HDMI). On the X201 itself you'll have only VGA but I've heard it works fine with VGA to run HD content on an HD monitor.

 

If you're not going to get Wi-Max (does it require a subscription? I just thought it's available pretty much nowhere but free?), you might as well get the 6300 (unless you're getting a webcam) so you can max out on antennas(ae?)

 

Can't I get the 6300 for 3x3 even if I'm getting a webcam? It certainly seems to let me combine those 2 options although it does say 2x2 under the display when I select the webcam option...but 3x3 on the 6300.

 

If you get a webcam it will only have 2 antennas hooked up because of a lack of room for the third antenna.

 

i also have a question about the configuration, so if you were to order the screen with webcam then there would be no difference between the 6200 and 6300?

 

Interesting. So in that case I'd probably be better off purchasing with 2 and grabbing something like this to swap it up to 8 gb for $160 cheaper right?

 

Yes, Wi-Max (4G) does require a subscription. I had it for a while from Clearwire (aka Clear.com). It was $40/month and since I was rarely able to get the bandwidth they promised me, I dropped them like a bad habit.

They're still "robo-calling" me (3 months later) trying to get me back. They over-subscribed and they simply don't have the infrastructure to support the number of subscriptions they sold. But I can only speak about their service in my area. I'm sure other Wi-Max 4G providers will pop up soon enough and hopefully they'll be better.

 

Gotcha...I think I'll go with the 6200 then. Thanks!

 

You can't get the webcam with the 3x3 screen on an X201. And the 6300 needs the 3x3 screen, I'm pretty sure.

 

it doesn't try to change the configuration when i choose screen with webcam and the 6300 though. it still let's me checkout so i assume that they do allow it. i don't get what the point of that is but they let you anyways.

 

Hmmm, in that case, I gues the 6300 will just use the 2 antennae available.

As for the RAM on Newegg, I've been looking at those also but I see no need to pay the extra price for the Crucial. There are cheaper options.

 

They allow it, but it just ships with only 2 antennas on a card that can handle 3.

 

I see. Wondering if I should go with the 10600 at about the same price but that just brings me back to the old RAM speed vs. latency debate. And yeah crucial was just an example, I'd probably go with G.Skill for about $230.