New SSD install

Just bought a new Samsung 840 Pro 128GB SSD for the laptop.
After reading many how to's and lots of different forum posts/tutorials etc.
Want get it right, would this procedure be ok?

Update firmware.
Make 1 partition of the full drive & format it.

(the above done using the desktop which runs win 7 & 8).
Then fit the SSD into the laptop, making sure it is the only drive connected.

Clean install win 7 (the bios is ACHI).
Install drivers.
Install win 7 updates.
Image to a HDD.

Any advice appreciated.

Good thing is, a clean install of Windows 7 on an SSD will figure out the proper alignment without having to dick around with it. Read through the material VistaKing posted just to get a grasp things. A clean install is a clean install though, so not much to be done there. You might luck up and not have to update the firmware. I like the steps you have laid out after installation.....clean install, etc......that is how I do things. When I get everything going and get to a good spot, I would make an image so you can revert back to that if anything happens.

If I'm not mistaken, Windows 7 will take care of the alignment needed. The tutorial is really good for a clone or image based installation though. You and VistaKing have got it covered

You guys are so fast replying and really helpful with the links,
I'm sure I'll have it up and running soon.

Many thanks to all for your input.

There's no need to format the drive in another computer first. I always prefer to start a clean install with a blank drive. Diskpart, per the tutorial can be used to set up the drive with the proper alignment during the first screen of the install process.