Law Student looking for Ultrabook/Thin and Light. Narrowed down, need help choosing!

[Bronsky]

Thanks for your response. And for perspective, I've reinstalled Windows from restore images/discs before and am very familiar with the boot menu, booting from discs/other drives, reinstalling Windows, etc.

However, I've always done this on an existing drive that already has Windows installed on it. I'm either booting to a Windows image to reformat and reinstall, or I'm booting to a Windows image just to reinstall Windows. But like I said, I've only ever done this with a drive that already has an OS installed.

So my concern is doing this same boot-to-Windows-image-and-reinstall process on a brand new SSD that has never been in a computer and doesn't have any OS/drivers/software on it. What I'm confused about and can't get a straight answer on is if I swap in a blank, brand new, never been used SSD into my X230 and want to boot to a disc or USB drive in order to start the Windows reinstallation process, how does that work since that SSD has no OS or drivers on it? How can it interface with the disc or USB drive if there's nothing on the SSD I just dropped in?

You go to the Microsoft website. They have a program that loads a windows ISO (a copy of the complete CD) for the particular windows version you should have on your notebook, i.e. W7 Pro. It makes a bootable thunb drive that has windows on it, just like it is a CD. Then you plug it in and start your computer. Interrupt it and change the boot order so that it boots from the thumb, which it should see (BTY, you will need at least a 4GB thumb but I would get an 8GB, they are inexpensive enough). Once it sees the Windows installation disk, it will put windows on the SSD. It may need to format and partition first but that should be a no-brainer. Once it is installed, keep the MSata as the boot drive. Then you have to go to the OEM site and DL your drivers. Keep it simple and clean. Here is a clean install guide I wrote for Acers a couple of years ago as a reference. http://forum.notebookreview.com/6465732-post1612.html

[Calvin2376]

You go to the Microsoft website. They have a program that loads a windows ISO (a copy of the complete CD) for the particular windows version you should have on your notebook, i.e. W7 Pro. It makes a bootable thunb drive that has windows on it, just like it is a CD. Then you plug it in and start your computer. Interrupt it and change the boot order so that it boots from the thumb, which it should see (BTY, you will need at least a 4GB thumb but I would get an 8GB, they are inexpensive enough). Once it sees the Windows installation disk, it will put windows on the SSD. It may need to format and partition first but that should be a no-brainer. Once it is installed, keep the MSata as the boot drive. Then you have to go to the OEM site and DL your drivers. Keep it simple and clean. Here is a clean install guide I wrote for Acers a couple of years ago as a reference. http://forum.notebookreview.com/6465732-post1612.html

Is your response assuming I'm adding the SSD as a second drive on top of the HDD? It seems like it from "Once it is installed, keep the MSata as the boot drive." I'm planning on just swapping the drives, not adding the SSD as a second.

[jlp0209]

So my concern is doing this same boot-to-Windows-image-and-reinstall process on a brand new SSD that has never been in a computer and doesn't have any OS/drivers/software on it. What I'm confused about and can't get a straight answer on is if I swap in a blank, brand new, never been used SSD into my X230 and want to boot to a disc or USB drive in order to start the Windows reinstallation process, how does that work since that SSD has no OS or drivers on it? How can it interface with the disc or USB drive if there's nothing on the SSD I just dropped in?

Considering all your questions and concerns (and no disrespect toward others' suggestions), the simplest and safest way for you is to create the factory restore discs using an external optical drive. Lenovo's site has many drivers listed for the x230 (seriously, it is a lot) and if you are asking questions now, you will have more later and it'll drive you nuts (what order to install them in, which ones do I not need to waste time downloading....). Not insulting your intelligence, just stating that this is the easiest way and no need to worry about downloading a copy of windows, worry about imaging, drivers, or go through activation steps.

When I inserted the blank SSD and fired up the laptop, the USB optical drive was plugged into the USB port with the 1st boot disc inside it. The PC will recognize it (the optical drive and boot disc). Doesn't matter that the SSD is blank. It will install EVERYTHING- Windows, all drivers, Lenovo utilities....it really is easy and painless.

[Bronsky]

Is your response assuming I'm adding the SSD as a second drive on top of the HDD? It seems like it from "Once it is installed, keep the MSata as the boot drive." I'm planning on just swapping the drives, not adding the SSD as a second.

Same procedure either way.

[dg4762]

As a recent law school grad (2012) I went through the same thoughts you are going through now. In fact, I again revisited the same decision as I thought about a new laptop now three years later (I started in 2009). And I came to the same dilemma, Thinkpad X230 or macbook air (at that time it was t400 v. macbook pro). Anyhow, I came to the same decision, x230 for the same reasons you will. Rugged and durable. The difference in weight is about a third of a pound depending on which batttery you lug with you. It is bulkier, but it's so much cheaper. you can upgrade ram and harddisk at your leisure and save money.

But, you will have a lot of books, so the form and weight of macbook tip the scale. If I'm you, and I was in 09, I would get macbook air. If you are deadset against apple, then x230 is no brainer. Please note, you can make do with an ipad. Just get the wireless keyboard and a good portfolio for it. It works just fine for taking your notes, surfing web, doing legal research. Yes, you might even consider x230 for your main laptop and ipad for school. That's a great plan if you need a computer that is as powerful as the x230. Best of luck

[Bronsky]

Please note, you can make do with an ipad. Just get the wireless keyboard and a good portfolio for it. It works just fine for taking your notes, surfing web, doing legal research. Yes, you might even consider x230 for your main laptop and ipad for school. That's a great plan if you need a computer that is as powerful as the x230. Best of luck

More and more, practicioners are using a combination of table and notebook. I have been doing so for the past 2 years. I have to admit that i see more IPads than anything. But, my HP Slate 500 is a full windows device with a digitizer pen (no need for apps or new software). The one thing is does that the IPad doesn't is run the same PDF annotator that I run on my laptop, which allows me to mark-up PDF drafts. It also allows me to actually sign (in blue "ink") originals and forward them to my secretary for filing and transmittal. I also prefer doing legal research on a tablet, which is held in a far more natural way and does not cause the kind of fatigue that a notebook can. All that being true, I still think a student needs a notebook first for productivity. A bluetooth keyboard is nowhere as good as a Lenovo KB for the production of briefs or other large documents. I prefer my 13" laptop for that. I can understand your position on the Air. My wife uses and Apple and loves it. I would still go with the X230 for the better battery life and durability.

[Calvin2376]

As a recent law school grad (2012) I went through the same thoughts you are going through now. In fact, I again revisited the same decision as I thought about a new laptop now three years later (I started in 2009). And I came to the same dilemma, Thinkpad X230 or macbook air (at that time it was t400 v. macbook pro). Anyhow, I came to the same decision, x230 for the same reasons you will. Rugged and durable. The difference in weight is about a third of a pound depending on which batttery you lug with you. It is bulkier, but it's so much cheaper. you can upgrade ram and harddisk at your leisure and save money.

But, you will have a lot of books, so the form and weight of macbook tip the scale. If I'm you, and I was in 09, I would get macbook air. If you are deadset against apple, then x230 is no brainer. Please note, you can make do with an ipad. Just get the wireless keyboard and a good portfolio for it. It works just fine for taking your notes, surfing web, doing legal research. Yes, you might even consider x230 for your main laptop and ipad for school. That's a great plan if you need a computer that is as powerful as the x230. Best of luck

More and more, practicioners are using a combination of table and notebook. I have been doing so for the past 2 years. I have to admit that i see more IPads than anything. But, my HP Slate 500 is a full windows device with a digitizer pen (no need for apps or new software). The one thing is does that the IPad doesn't is run the same PDF annotator that I run on my laptop, which allows me to mark-up PDF drafts. It also allows me to actually sign (in blue "ink") originals and forward them to my secretary for filing and transmittal. I also prefer doing legal research on a tablet, which is held in a far more natural way and does not cause the kind of fatigue that a notebook can. All that being true, I still think a student needs a notebook first for productivity. A bluetooth keyboard is nowhere as good as a Lenovo KB for the production of briefs or other large documents. I prefer my 13" laptop for that. I can understand your position on the Air. My wife uses and Apple and loves it. I would still go with the X230 for the better battery life and durability.

Thanks for the comments. At the recommendation of commenters on this thread, I've looked into the X230 and I love a lot about it. The keyboard appears to get very high marks, and I personally love the ability to customize the computer. Lenovo's SSD prices are just laughable, so if I were to get it I've decided I'd go ahead and put in the Samsung 830 256 GB SSD. I don't like the concept of having to modify the hardware on a brand new, $1500+ computer just to get it to my liking, but it seems the only option.

I have two main concerns about the X230, however. First, I absolutely need to see and try one in person. I'll be using this computer for hours and hours every day, and I wouldn't trust a decision like this blindly. But it seems there's really no option to see one in person unless you happen to have a friend who has one. That's a huge problem, and unless anyone has any recommendations, I don't think I'm going to be able to buy one without seeing it.

The biggest problem I have, however, is the abysmal resolution. 1366 x 768 is embarrassing for a new portable laptop, but even moreso for a high-end one like the X230. The fact that I can configure this laptop to over $2,000 but can't get anything better than 768P is crazy. I frankly don't want to sit and stare at that screen for hours on end every day.

Since I don't need a new computer until the end of August, I'm going to wait two weeks or so to see. I'd love to hear more about the X1 Carbon, but it doesn't sound that's going to be released in time for me. I'd also like to see some reviews trickle out on the Vizio CTs.

[pianowizard]

The biggest problem I have, however, is the abysmal resolution. 1366 x 768 is embarrassing for a new portable laptop, but even moreso for a high-end one like the X230.

I don't understand why certain forum members like to defend 1366x768 so forcefully and so tirelessly, not just here but also in other threads. They need to understand that for people like you and me, 1366x768 simply won't cut it. You should avoid it, regardless of how hard these folks (including a couple lawyers) have been trying to convince you that you don't need more than 1366x768. Some lawyers can survive on 1366x768 but others can't. (On a related note, I was a science major in college and graduated with a 4.0 GPA without owning a single computer, but I never go around telling science majors that they don't need a computer.) No matter how beautiful the X230's IPS screen is, you would hate its lousy resolution and your productivity would suffer, terribly. If you are serious about being productive in law school, get 1600x900 at the very least, and even then I would urge you to also get a high-res external monitor (or two!).

Since I don't need a new computer until the end of August, I'm going to wait two weeks or so to see. I'd love to hear more about the X1 Carbon, but it doesn't sound that's going to be released in time for me. I'd also like to see some reviews trickle out on the Vizio CTs.

The Vizio ultrabooks have incredible specs, especially the 3.96-lb 15.6" 1920x1080 model, but of course they aren't available yet. It's a great idea to wait until the end of August. If you can wait a couple months longer, Microsoft's Surface tablet would be worth considering as well.

[Calvin2376]

The Vizio ultrabooks have incredible specs, especially the 3.96-lb 15.6" 1920x1080 model, but of course they aren't available yet. It's a great idea to wait until the end of August. If you can wait a couple months longer, Microsoft's Surface tablet would be worth considering as well.

They are available, have been since the beginning of July. I personally went into my local Walmart the first week in July and tried out the display model - they had several in stock - and multiple people on this thread have already gotten theirs and have few complaints past the trackpad: Vizio impressions at MS Store

The only hangups for me about the Vizio are 1) no backlit keyboard, 2) glossy screen on the CT14. There appear to be no complaints about the Vizios beyond the trackpad, which is irrelevant to me as I use a mouse. The CT14-A2 comes with an i7 and 256 GB SSD for $1200, compared to an identically-spec'd Series 9 for $500 more.

[pepper_john]

piano: funny, you are telling me that the resolution on my X220 is not good for me, that I should believe you and not my own eyes?