Time for a SSD (Toshiba Tecra R840 laptop)...

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  1. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #11

    There is nothing magical about SSDs as far as the user experience goes.

    Your PC will boot in about 30 seconds. Applications will open very quickly--less than 1 second for Word and about 4 seconds for Photoshop on my PC.

    Any disk operations will be much quicker---virus scanning for instance.

    I would not get a 240 GB SSD unless money is of little concern and ALL of your data will fit on it. The more common choice would be to get an SSD of perhaps 80 to 120 GB for the OS and ALL applications and then use another internal or external HDD for all data.

    Good brands: Samsung, Intel, Crucial. They are probably the most reliable and all are much faster than any HDD.

    Whether to get an SSD is purely a matter of preference, not necessity. If you have better uses for the money, don't do it. If you do switch, you may well find it worthwhile and would not likely want to go back to HDD for OS and applications.
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  2. Posts : 197
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #12

    Thanks!
    Now I'm deciding for a Intel 520!
    Since I don't know much about this....is the swap tht easy?
    My idea was: use the "factory image" that I have in my HDD to put my laptop in a "factory state". But how can I do this in the SSD? What are the option? (I think in one but maybe there is more simple ways..! I think in clone my system in the SSD, than install the SSD...I mean physically, and then restore the SSD to factory state. This would put a fresh install in the SSD and erse the initial "clone image", just in case!)

    Cheers,
    paulo
      My Computer


  3. whs
    Posts : 26,210
    Vista, Windows7, Mint Mate, Zorin, Windows 8
       #13

    It really is a matter of personal choice. A SSD is a lot faster and especially in a laptop that you carry around it is a lot less prone to damage. There are no moving parts, thus it will not break when you knock the laptop.

    The size of the SSD depends on your requirements, but 240GB should be ample for most people.
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  4. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #14

    paulobao said:
    Thanks!
    Now I'm deciding for a Intel 520!
    Since I don't know much about this....is the swap tht easy?
    My idea was: use the "factory image" that I have in my HDD to put my laptop in a "factory state". But how can I do this in the SSD? What are the option? (I think in one but maybe there is more simple ways..! I think in clone my system in the SSD, than install the SSD...I mean physically, and then restore the SSD to factory state. This would put a fresh install in the SSD and erse the initial "clone image", just in case!)

    Cheers,
    paulo
    I just bought a intel 520 series 250gig for less than $300. Orem version.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #15

    paulobao said:
    Thanks!
    Now I'm deciding for a Intel 520!
    Since I don't know much about this....is the swap tht easy?
    My idea was: use the "factory image" that I have in my HDD to put my laptop in a "factory state". But how can I do this in the SSD? What are the option? (I think in one but maybe there is more simple ways..! I think in clone my system in the SSD, than install the SSD...I mean physically, and then restore the SSD to factory state. This would put a fresh install in the SSD and erse the initial "clone image", just in case!)

    Cheers,
    paulo
    You have several choices:

    1. Clean install to the SSD. This is no different than a clean install to HDD.

    2. Make an image of your current system partitions and restore the image to SSD.

    3. Clone the current system to the SSD, without using an image.

    4. Buy Paragon Migrate software for $20 and use it to transfer existing system to SSD. It is highly reliable and fast.

    5. Get your factory restore involved in the process. I don't see any reason to do this if your machine is working well now.

    I'd do the clean install because I am a tightwad and don't mind doing it.

    You may well prefer to use Paragon.

    If you want to image or clone, Macrium is probably your best option and it's free.
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  6. Posts : 1,800
    Windows 7 Pro x64 SP1
       #16

    I also use acronis 2012 for image backups.
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  7. Posts : 197
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #17

    Thanks again
    One more newbie question: as with HDD is it possible to have partitions with SSD? I mean, whs suggestion was to have one partition for OS and apps and another one for data which seems very wise! Is this possible with ssd?

    paulo
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 290
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64bit
       #18

    Yes you can make more than one partition on a SSD.

    You have gotten great advice, but don't forget about making a image after getting your new SSD up and running. Invest in a USB external hard drive and make images of your system and data regularly. If things go wrong in can restore the image with your system, programs and data. Most users recommend Macrium Reflect.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #19

    paulobao said:
    Thanks again
    One more newbie question: as with HDD is it possible to have partitions with SSD? I mean, whs suggestion was to have one partition for OS and apps and another one for data which seems very wise! Is this possible with ssd?

    paulo
    Yes and most would consider that preferable IF you intend to put your data on the second partition.

    If you are going to put your data on another hard drive, then there would be no reason to partition the SSD.

    Having the 2 partitions simplifies backups, imaging, and reinstallations.

    The installation per se does not differ from installing to an HDD, but there are a few things you should check when the install is done. Windows will realize it is being installed on an SSD and change a few things automatically.

    If you get the Intel, be sure to download the "Intel SSD toolbox" from the Intel site. It's a great tool. You should use it to schedule "optimizations" every week or so.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 197
    Windows 7 Professional 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #20

    Thanks!
    Now I will try to decide what one to choose (520, Sams 830, Kingston). More I read more confuse I stay! SandForce have BSOD (some says), Samsung is not that quick (?), Kingston only have 3k cycles...Price is not my problem now, I only would like to have a "no problem" one :-(.

    Cheers,
    paulo
      My Computer


 
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