Got my new T520 today, what should I do?

Got my new T520, specs are below. What should I do out of the box for optimum performance? Are there any additional drivers to download, what bloatware can i safely get rid of? Any other tips?





Intel Core i5-2520M Processor (2.50GHz, 3MB L3)1


Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium 6412


15.6" HD+ (1600 x 900) LED Backlit Anti-Glare Display, Mobile Broadband Ready


Intel HD Graphics 3000


4 GB DDR3 - 1333MHz (1 DIMM)8


UltraNav with TrackPoint & touchpad plus Fingerprint reader


Intel 160 GB Solid State Drive, Serial ATA4


DVD recordable multiburner5


6 cell Li-Ion Battery - 55+60


Bluetooth 3.0


Intel Centrino Ultimate-N 6300 (3x3 AGN)10


Integrated Mobile Broadband (Sierra Wireless MC8355 – Gobi 3000 (TM))65


4239 : 1 Year Depot Warranty - TopSeller7

78Y1652 3YR Onsite NBD + 3YR Priority Support + 3YR TPP

 

Create the factory DVD disk set with Rescue and Recovery first. You'll need one CD and three DVDs to create the set. The CD is the first disk created and is used to boot Rescue and Recovery in the event you want to restore the factory image to a hard drive or SSD. The DVDs are the image of the OS and apps you received with the machine.

I would also copy the SWTOOLS directory to a separate DVD.

 

With any new system, it's always wise to make a set of recovery discs. You need 1x Blank CD and up to 3x Blank DVD's to complete the process. Generally have a feel of what's the system like first before making your mind up on the bloatware, Lenovo unlike most PC companies tends to put out some apps that are in a way useful. Personally I found only the Power Manager and Hotkeys are useful myself.

You may also want to toggle the Power Manager too. As well as configuring the Power settings to your liking, also set charging thresholds to prolong the life of the battery (I set minimum 35%, maximum 95% myself).

 

First thing I like to do is flaunt it in front of all those consumer laptop owners, and laugh haughtily. Emphasize it's powers of durability and functionality by mocking their 2002 eMachines and Compaq Presario-aged laptops. Even better, use your laptop, to destroy theirs! What irony. You have a nicely decked out warranty so you could totally do it too.

Secondly, make the recovery DVD's so you can always do a factory restore.
Then, I would get familiar with the various ThinkVantage applications, decide which ones you want/need and which ones are bloatware and remove them.
If you're comfortable with doing a clean install (after you burn the recovery DVD's) then I would suggest that as well, since nothing feels as fresh as a clean install! Make sure windows is configured for your SSD properly (check to make sure TRIM is enabled) and I would get a copy of the Intel SSD Toolbox as well (if not already included). You can check ThinkVantage system update and the lenovo support pages directly for driver updates, but I would stick to lenovo-released drivers and not manufacturer's drivers. Other random bits and pieces, get familiar with the BIOS, make sure the settings are how you like... can't remember anything else right now!

Lastly, enjoy the longevity practicality bestowed upon your lap.

 

Good advice here. Enable Advanced mode, and set up your own power profile for your preferred settings on battery and AC. That way, everything will be tweaked to your preferences automatically whenever you plug in/unplug your laptop.

I too use 95/35% as the charge thresholds for my two Thinkpads. That usually gives me at least 2 hours on my X120e, which is enough for one or two classes.

 

Is this all straight forward? I see advanced mode mentioned where is this feature located? I am coming from Windows XP and have never used W7. Same with the recovery discs, will it ask me to do this upon powering up for the first time?

How do I obtain the discs for my W7? The T520 cam ewith ZERO discs, only a card from AT&T for my mobile broadband numbers.

 

If you hold down the blue thinkvantage button on boot it should give you the option to burn the factory lenovo recovery disks.

The advanced mode in Power manager is on the top right. It will say "Switch to: Advanced (or basic if you're already in advanced mode).

 

Thank you!