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***UPDATE 12/16/14 with SSD cloning video - I'm getting many comments and questions regarding the process of cloning the OS from the HD to the SSD. Therefore, I wanted to clarify a few things to hopefully help everyone through this process. (IMPORTANT NOTE) Do not be confused by the nomenclature for this process as it goes by many names; i.e. migrate, copy, transfer, etc. This is *NOT* my video but it is very helpful. I've also reposted the video on how to remove the Dell HD and install the SSD. Here is the link. Last note: it does not matter which SSD you purchase, it will be up to each individuals preference (i.e. price, features, etc.). So if you do buy a SSD, make sure that: 1) The SSD is a 2.5" drive, SATA III 2) Check to see if it comes with "cloning" (migration, transfer...) software. 3) If it does not, there are several other cloning software programs available online that are free to download. But I wouldn't recommend this route if this is your first drive swap. 4) Make sure you get a USB to SATA cable. This is the one I purchased. Buy it, use it, keep it or return it after your done. Your preference but you will need this. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057UAB2K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 That's all you need folks. Then follow these two videos and you will then reap the rewards of a faster laptop and the gratification of the successful install! So, removing the HD & installing the SSD video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up5uGX1Bf4g And, the video to clone the drives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfUe81ThddM Hope this helps. ***UPDATE 10/26/14 - Looks like the laptop is now shipping with an i3 CPU and an upgraded GPU (on board). I'd be interested to here reviews on this. Also, here are some pros and cons after owning the laptop for 3 months. PROS: -High price-value ratio, decent hardware components and performance for the price -Extremely light weight and very thin -Easy to upgrade components, you can do this rather economically to keep the overall costs down -Full 10 key number pad and smooth key operation -Webcam, and photo verification for login (some may not be aware of this but the webcam also acts as a security measure) -Great for medium-heavy work loads, i.e. running multiple programs, playing music or videos, etc. -Solid construction, mine travels with me in my backpack and it takes a beating, haven't had any issues CONS: -Processor could be faster, however I mention below on how to increase the CPU's performance -Lack of RAM. The 4GB RAM is quite slow but I describe my experience below after upgrading the RAM to 8GB -Hard drive has plenty of storage but it's also slow. See below for SSD upgrade and comparison -With the factory components, the laptop struggles with heavy flash websites. You can alleviate this issue by upgrading the hard drive and RAM ***UPDATE 10/24/14 - Putting this at the top since some have asked for instructions on how to replace the hard drive and RAM. Here are two (2) youtube videos (not mine) that will walk you through the process. NOTE: Pay close attention and follow his exact removal and re-install process of the cover on the underside of the laptop, otherwise you will break the plastic tabs. Hard Drive removal and installing SSD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Up5uGX1Bf4g Upgrading RAM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24kPq-xzwHc REVIEW: Great budget laptop, especially for students. Keep in mind the price reflects the product. Before deciding to move on to other brands, consider that there are many consumers who purchase laptops without possessing any rudimentary knowledge about computer software and components. Let alone there are buyers who show lack of consumer aptitude by writing comments like "thought it came with a optical drive, 1 star." So, quickly I'll highlight on a few things you can do to noticeably improve the performance of this laptop. -First, replace the HDD with a SSD. You will experience an immediate performance boost. You'll need a USB to SATA cable to clone the drive. It is very, very easy and basic. Samsung offers a great software to assist you in this process. Here is the drive I purchased. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E3W15P0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Here is the cable. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0057UAB2K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 -Second, uninstall McAfee as it ties up many of your systems resources. Microsoft Defender comes pre-loaded, just turn this on. Also, uninstall all the Microsoft apps you do not use. Most of these run in the background tying up CPU resources. -Third, unlock the CPU's parked cores as this will allow the processor to operate at it's highest output. To do this, follow these directory series. Control Panel\System and Security\Power Options\Edit Plan Settings. Then go to Advanced Power Settings. A new window opens, then scroll down to Processor Power Management and click to expand. You will see Minimum Processor State, click to expand. The default setting is 5%. Increase to 100%. You will notice that the Maximum Processor State is already at 100%. Apply the changes. Now you have a processor running at it's maximum performance capacity. You should see a overall noticeable performance increase in all areas. -Fourth, make sure you have the Power Saver mode OFF. This mode tells the CPU and other components to run at a minimum state, hindering performance. -Fifth, if you are comfortable with removing programs both in the control panel and in the registry, then remove all the unnecessary Dell software. You can use CCleaner to assist you. -Sixth, using CCleaner, go to the start-up programs which run in the background. Turn off all the programs and automatic updates that you won't use. **UPDATE: As of 9/23/14, I have updated the ram to 8GB. The performance increase was significant. It still travels with me to college 4 days a week and I have no issues with it. I wanted to make this clear, the laptop is considerably lighter and thinner than most others (excluding the Chromebooks, SurfacePro's, etc.). Although it doesn't contain "powerhouse" components, it does a fantastic job in handling medium-heavy work loads, i.e. multiple programs open, streaming, VPN programs (LogMeIn), student learning applications, and so on. Here is the ram I installed. http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-12800-204-Pin-Notebook-CT102464BF160B/dp/B006YG8X9Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1411501025&sr=8-3&keywords=laptop+ram And like the above reviewer mentioned, if you are comfortable with wiping the drive clean, do so.