M.2 SSD vs PCIe SSD - Upgrade Eligibility + Should I purchase this Laptop?

thriftysach on 26/11/2019 - 22:24
Last edited 26/11/2019 - 22:30

Hi I am very close to purchasing a laptop.

Having done a close assessment of my needs and how I will use it, I have realised that forking out $1200+ for a 1-2 year old processor is just not worth it.

Please see the previous discussion here for more background info:

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/495265

The first part of my post is a request for someone to help me distinguish which SSDs in laptops are replaceable and which are not.

Basically, I have been told by a Lenovo rep that the PCIe SSD in this laptop (https://www.harveynorman.com.au/lenovo-yoga-530-0c-14-inch-2…) is not upgradeable. He stated that all PCIe SSDs are not upgradeable but only the M.2 kind are.

Also, can people let me know whether it is wise to get that laptop and upgrade the SSD. As far as I have resarched, i5-8250u is almost the same as AMD Ryzen 2500u.

From the Lenovo Rep:

  • Integrated Li-Ion 45Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1hr)
    The battery back up is upto 8 hours
  • Weighs 1.65KG (some websites say its too heavy, however, I am coming from a Dell Inspiron 15.6" Brick)

It is a little low [the battery], but for ($838 - TRS) = $754, I think its suitable?

Whether the SSD is upgradeable or not will decide for me if I should purchase it, unless something else is pointed out to me.

Computing Computer Computer Component Laptop SSD

Comments

  • Toothfairy0412 on 26/11/2019 - 23:41
    +2

    i honestly wouldnt touch something having a battery less than 50whr. Batteries degrade over time and i can guarantee you will be struggling to get 5hrs in a year or two time.

    • thriftysach on 27/11/2019 - 01:05

      Yeah I see it now. Especially since the manufacturing of this device halted end of 2017, it has most likely faced some kind of degradation.

  • SydStrand on 27/11/2019 - 00:06
    +1

    Integrated Li-Ion 45Wh battery, supports Rapid Charge (charge up to 80% in 1hr)

    I don't like proprietary chargers. These days, you'd want something with USB-PD, which supports 45W, 60W, etc., and charges just as quick.

    The battery back up is upto 8 hours

    Real life battery = take what the manufacturer says, and halve it. Those battery benchmarks are usually calculated with very basic tasks and low brightness, like 150 nits. 8 hours according to manufacturer is never all day battery.

    The first part of my post is a request for someone to help me distinguish which SSDs in laptops are replaceable and which are not.

    It's not so simple as saying 'all PCIe SSDs are not upgradeable but only the M.2 kind are.' It varies by device. Theoretically, m.2 drives can be easily popped out, but some OEMs will glue or solder in. That's assuming you can access the bay at all without complete disassembl\y. You'll need to specifically research that device, e.g. iFixit.

    Also, don't assume you can just replace the SSD with a deal on Ozbargain. Some devices use obscure standards, like Microsoft's 2019 Surface line using m.2 drives in 2230 form factor which are only sold through OEMs, i.e. it's very difficult, if not impossible, for a consumer to purchase one (there are none on Newegg or PCCG)

    • thriftysach on 27/11/2019 - 01:12

      Yes, am very clear in regards to the battery now. With the deals coming, I'll be aiming for something more than 52Wh, most preferably 57-8wH.

      A charger with USB-PD = can charge with normal charging cable and with a USB Type C

      So some brands basically make it so the end-user is forced to buy their extra storage options.

      I can easily fork out up to $1400 for a device. Is there any devices/specifications you recommend I get or avoid.

      Thanks.

      • SydStrand on 27/11/2019 - 03:23

        With the deals coming, I'll be aiming for something more than 52Wh, most preferably 57-8wH.

        Warmer, but battery size isn't always correlated with longevity, which is also affected by screen, CPU (newer gens with die shrinks generally more efficient), discrete vs integrated GPU, etc. There is no easy answer to this, but read reviews.

        So some brands basically make it so the end-user is forced to buy their extra storage options.

        Bingo

        I can easily fork out up to $1400 for a device. Is there any devices/specifications you recommend I get or avoid.

        I looked at your first post, and you're not getting this at $1400. Discrete GPU and even HDD pretty much means it won't be 'lightweight and portable.' Manufacturers typically charge extra $100-200 for stylus, 10th gen Ice Lake uncommon at this price point, etc. If you're prepared to make some concessions, then the recent Dell XPS 13 deal isn't bad.

  • Skramit on 27/11/2019 - 09:06

    Why do you need to upgrade the SSD? Just grab one with enough storage for your needs when purchasing.

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