W Series - Need A Beast, Have Questions

[worldbuilder]

Hi all,

Most recently owning a T61p, I am looking for a solid workstation replacement, and the W520 seems like it.  Last year, I remember seeing a model W701, but those seem to be gone.

The W520 seems to be able to do what I want to do, but I have several questions:

1. Didn't there used to be an option to get 2 SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration?  Is that available now?
2. I'd like a Blu-Ray player / DVD recorder if possible.  Possible?
3. I will be adding the docking station because I want to run 3, yes 3 22" or 24" DVI LEDs.  On my old T61p with the dock, I accomplished this with a DVI connection to LED 1 while LED 2 and LED 3 ran off individual DVI-2-USB adapters I had (and still have).  Will that continue to work?

Thanks!

Chris

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Not sure about the RAID question.

Blu-Ray player can be bought aftermarket, those one that goes into the W700/701 will work in the W520.

The 3 native external screen support is possible if you use no internal LCD.

[worldbuilder]

Great.  Why did they get rid of the W7xx series?

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Not enough sale volume. 

[huberth]

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worldbuilder wrote:

1. Didn't there used to be an option to get 2 SSDs in a RAID 0 configuration?  Is that available now

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You need to order the Raid0 model with 2 HHDs and then replace the HDDs with SSDs.

(I put the HDDs in caddys and use them for backups)

[worldbuilder]

Hi Huberth,

I don't see that option on their website.  Perhaps if I speak with a sales person they can accomplish this?

Also...  Based on the LCD setup I mentioned in my OP...  Given that the 15.6" screen is only capable of 1920x1080, would I be able to run the 3 attached LCDs at 1920x1200 if that's what they were capable of?

1920x1080 is OK, but I'd prefer higher resolution.

Thanks!

Chris

[huberth]

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worldbuilder wrote:

Hi Huberth,

I don't see that option on their website.  Perhaps if I speak with a sales person they can accomplish this?

Also...  Based on the LCD setup I mentioned in my OP...  Given that the 15.6" screen is only capable of 1920x1080, would I be able to run the 3 attached LCDs at 1920x1200 if that's what they were capable of?

1920x1080 is OK, but I'd prefer higher resolution.

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When I ordered mine, the option was there.

I do use a 1920x1200 monitor with my W520.

I have not tried multiple 1920x1200 monitord, but I don't see why it shoudl not work.

The W520 with SATA III SSDs is definitely a beast! 

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