SSD's are they worth the money?

BomberAF · 30 Jun 2012

I have read that tutorial and it doesn't mention that the activation code was required for the OS or if it did mention I never noticed. Before I embark on buying an SSD can someone who has done this confirm that the activation key isn't required.

Can someone who has also done this please let me know whether the procedure allows for making mistakes and having to back track without damaging the os installation on the hdd on the laptop. So if necessary you can continue to use your laptop if you fail to transfer the OS.

Also how long does it take?

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whs · 30 Jun 2012

I have had a quick look at the tutorial, but not looked fully through it, but can you please let us know whether or not you need the activation key for the OS as I no longer have that. I don't think you do but can you let us know, I will have a proper look through the guide a bit later.

When you transfer the OS, you need not reactivate it. But in any case, you can always activate it with the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The OS transfer takes about 20 to 30 minutes +/- depending on how much is on your HDD.

BomberAF · 30 Jun 2012

whs said:

I have had a quick look at the tutorial, but not looked fully through it, but can you please let us know whether or not you need the activation key for the OS as I no longer have that. I don't think you do but can you let us know, I will have a proper look through the guide a bit later.

When you transfer the OS, you need not reactivate it. But in any case, you can always activate it with the key on the COA sticker that is on the bottom of your laptop.

The OS transfer takes about 20 to 30 minutes +/- depending on how much is on your HDD.

Thanks for that, I have just looked underneath my laptop and i have a copy of my product key, so it wouldn't have been an issue.

I am just about to buy this docking station Play.com - Buy online at Play.com and read reviews. Free delivery to UK and Europe!

it is compatible with both 2.5 and 3.5 drives, this will also be alright for the SSD wont it?

(I will also have to get shut of that tapatalk message from when I use my mobile)

whs · 30 Jun 2012

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

BomberAF · 30 Jun 2012

whs said:

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

My laptop doesn't have a PCI Express card, but I will look around for a station that has USB 3 capability.

Can you also confirm that if I don't get it right the first time I wont damage the installation on my laptop hard drive that has the OS on while I am transferring the OS. So if I make a mistake I wont leave myself without the use of a laptop.

BomberAF · 30 Jun 2012

What do you think about this one CiT USB 3.0 HDD Dock For 2.5 inch + 3.5 inch SATA HDD Black - Hard Drives Computing at Play.com (UK)

Would this be compatible with USB 2?

smarteyeball · 30 Jun 2012

Maguscreed said:

Watch how easily I answer this question guys.

Yes.

Was that so hard?

heh heh :)

BomberAF said:

What do you think about this one CiT USB 3.0 HDD Dock For 2.5 inch + 3.5 inch SATA HDD Black - Hard Drives Computing at Play.com (UK)

Would this be compatible with USB 2?

Can't comment on the dock - I know nothing of it - but USB 3.0 is backwards compatible with USB 2.0, so yes it will work with USB 2.0

whs · 01 Jul 2012

Can you also confirm that if I don't get it right the first time I wont damage the installation on my laptop hard drive that has the OS on while I am transferring the OS. So if I make a mistake I wont leave myself without the use of a laptop.

Well, that is a tough call. There are always ways to muck everything up. But by making images or transferring the OS with the Paragon tool, nothing should normally happen.

This new dock you posted seems to be USB3 only. That is no good. Look for one that has USB2 and USB3.

smarteyeball · 01 Jul 2012

whs said:

This new dock you posted seems to be USB3 only. That is no good. Look for one that has USB2 and USB3.

Unless there is a new breed I don't know about, it should be backwards compatible.

jimbo45 · 01 Jul 2012

whs said:

The docking station is fine for the SSD. But there is a 1TB HDD limit - don't know whether you noticed that.

I have 2 similar stations. One is USB2 and USB3 and the other one is USB2 and eSata. Since you plan to buy a new laptop in the future, I would look for a dock that also has USB3. The price difference is small and chances are your next laptop has a USB3 port. That is a LOT faster than USB2. eSata on laptops is rare.

If you have a PCI Express slot on your current PC, you may even add USB3 or eSata capability by using a PCI Express card. They are cheap. Example: Newegg.com - SYBA SD-EXP20070 USB 3.0 Type-II Slim Flush Mount ExpressCard/34mm for Laptop PC

Hi there

Laptops with USB3 ports are still as rare as "Hens Teeth" -- and non existent on netbooks -- and a netbook is definitely where I DO use an SSD .

I certainly won't travel with a fully fledged laptop --but I'll always take a decent Netbook.

I have a decent laptop but if I'm on an assignment it gets taken ONCE to my hotel / apartment or whatever until the end of contract --but I certainly regularly travel with a netbook.

I'll wait a bit to see how the laptop market develops -- hopefully more power in a netbook size device -- the HDMI out can always be plugged into a HUGE monotor / TV these days --any self respecting modern TV has VGA / HDMI input as well as all the other usual stuff.

One thing's for sure -- I'm NOT buying a "bog standard" tablet.
However in answer to the question --Are SSD's worth the money

YES .... End of.

Cheers

jimbo