Getting a used Thinkpad X200 Cheap...Good Idea?

[gsaldivar]

Just run Windows Update and grab all your updates, then run Lenovo Thinkvantage Tools and grab all of Lenovo's updates. Not sure what to do about your university's ridiculous internet restrictions, you might want to sign up for a cheap VPN service or use WiFi at Starbucks, etc... Good luck!

 

[yhelothar]

It is not good to keep the battery at 100% all the time.

That being said, if you have the Lenovo power manager program installed, you will not be keeping your battery at 100% all the time. The program automatically charges the battery up to ~100% (or whatever threshold you specify), then lets the battery run down to about 90% (or whatever threshold you specify) before beginning a charge again. By default, it charges to 100% and then lets it run down to 90% before charging. This will maximize battery life while balancing useability.

As long as you're plugged in and have the power manager installed, leave your battery in.

What are the ideal thresholds to use? Or should I just keep it at optimize battery lifespan(automatically charge for me)

 

[gsaldivar]

Here are my settings. I leave it on the default automatic / "Maximum Lifespan" mode for my W520. http://i.imgur.com/eLIBd.png

 

[jihe]

Battery is expensive because it's not available locally...i'm going to have to get an original battery imported from the US from eBay (http://geb.ebay.in/g/New-Genuine-Le...attery-9-Cell-47-Original?itemid=360520256371). Actually, it's around $130. But if I'm getting an original one, I'm good. I managed to knock down the price to $200 anyway for the machine. I also ran CPUID and it tells me the battery has a capacity of 54 Whr as compared to a new 6 cell, which has 56 Whr. So the original 6 cell already in the laptop is in quite good shape.

Also, so you are suggesting I should keep the battery plugged in at 100% all the time and to preserve it, not discharge it at all? I can live with that.

Not at 100% all the time, just set your charge limit to start charge when below 40% and stop at 80% when you are on AC, and then fully charge when you're on the move.

 

[jihe]

Ok, this is going to sound really stupid, but I'm not sure Power Manager works properly.

I am running Windows 8, which means .NET 3.5 is not installed, which Power Manager requires. However, PM installed fine, though it gave a warning about .NET. However, though it has added power profiles and I can right click on the Lenovo Battery meter and select Battery Stretch, it does not allow me to "Launch" the Power Manager window. That prevents me from accessing other settings. Battery meter constantly (Lenovo and Windows) constantly shows 100% and doesn't appear to be charging/discharging as you mentioned.

I've tried all ways to install .NET framework 3.5 (including running the command prompt as well as an executable I download from Microsoft's site), but it just doesn't happen. And on my WiFi at University, download size is limited to 150MB, which is too small for the 231 MB .NET update through Windows Update. I managed to download the executable through Tor, but it doesn't work on Windows 8.

This is a bit off topic, sorry.

Is there any reason to be on windows 8? I mean lenovo doesn't even have the windows 8 drivers for the x200/t.

 

[Tushaar]

Hmm, I installed the Windows 7 drivers, they installed just fine.

 

[kevinsbane]

From Lenovo's forums -

How to manually add the settings (requires a registry edit, be careful with this)

Power manager issues in general


TLDR;

Win 7 Power manager doesn't work in Win 8. There is a Win 8 app for Lenovo settings; it does not (currently...) affect charge thresholds. This may have changed recently, but no confirmation of this.

I don't have a Win 8 Thinkpad, so I'm not sure I can help out any further. Getting to the point where I gotta have my own to test stuff out.