Confused about B520 systems

[Schneiderman]

I've searched the forums and I see that others are confused too and I haven't seen any answers yet. 

I am interested in buying one of two models: 77451GU or 77451FU. A couple things that are unclear that I am interested in:

Specifically, what videocards do these come with? Yeah, GeForce GT 555M. But, 1GB or 2GB? I can't find any specific information on the videocards anywhere. 

Is a SSD available or not? Will it become available? If yes, in what size? I keep seeing it advertised but there does not seem to be a model or option available for SSD. 

Do these have card readers? I am finding conflicting information on this. 

Do these have USB 3.0? I am finding conflicting information on this, too. 

Does the 77451FU- the 3D model- come with 3D glasses? I'm assuming it comes with one pair. What if I want more? Where do I get them? I don't see 3D glasses anywhere on the site. 

[ehun73]

On 07/21/11, I stated that the information on these models can be found at:

http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/icbook.pdf

This contains the most accurate information on the B520. SSD is not available for these models. Video card is 2GB. It has a 7-in-1 card reader. USB 3.0 is not on these two models but is on models  77452AU, 77452EU and77452FU. The 77451FU comes with one set of 3D glasses and the 3D emitter is built into the top frame like the camera and microphone. The 3D display is different than the non-3D display. The memory is the PC3-10600 1333MHz DDR3 modules not the PC3-8500 1333MHz module that Lenovo states in several other webpages. PC3-8500 only comes at a speed of 1066MHz. I ordered the PC3-8500 to further upgrade my unit and had to send it back for the PC3-10600.

I have verified all of this because I am using a 77451FU right now.

[Schneiderman]

Thanks for the info, that's very helpful. 

Can you tell me what you use your B520 for and how you would judge its performance? Are you a gamer or into video editing? I'm wondering about how powerful the 555M really is. 

[ehun73]

In the past I have not been a gamer or video editor because my old system was painfully slow. Therefore, the performance is light years from what I had. (smile) Right now I'm just trying to become familiar with everything. I received it last Monday. I did bump the memory to 16G because it only cost me an extra $88 for (2) 4GB modules. It was very easy to install. Sorry that I can't help much with gaming and video editing but based on research of the available all-in-ones, the B520 should perform as well or better than it competitors. Go to the Nvidia website and compare the 555M with their other cards.

[febryan80]

How do i know if my model of the b520 is able to do 3d video? Or are all models capable of it and i just need to buy the full nvidia kit? Apology for the very basic question, tried looking at all the forum contents. Also i was wondering how and where i can find a blu ray replacement to the built in to the dvd drive? Thanks,

[caveman31]

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GT-555M.41933.0.html

shows what type of fps you might get with it

dont take these as set in stone but as a rough guide wife plays l4d2, dead island, borderlands and a few other off of steam fine on hers

[goodmayes]

You need a 3D capable LCD panel. Only top spec with i7 has it and it is not available in the UK. In case of Blu-ray search eBay, there are hundreds of them.