Another vote for SSD. I got it on my most recent laptop and then wondered why I hadn't gotten a SSD before. From the time that I turn on the power, it takes 14 seconds (yes, I've timed it) until I am in Windows and ready to work. Shutdown is similarly efficient. My previous laptop had a HDD and it always seemed to take forever to shutdown - and even longer when I was working in the SkyClub until the last minute and needed to rush to make my flight. I can't foresee a situation when I'll ever buy another laptop with a HDD.