Hi Gary,
I've had a Series 9 since last September (i5-2467M). Like you say great machine (and display) albeit some of the crapware does need removing. I'm puzzled about your "d partition" though. I do have a 4.29GB "Hibernation Partition" and a 22.2GB Recovery partition" but neither are configurable using "administrative tools-Computer management-Disk management" so I'm not sure where your "d drive" came from?
I have to say that I do like the idea of the integral recovery partition on a laptop rather than relying on the System Recovery Media DVD which would undoubtedly never be around when needed.
I don't use it much for images except importing to Lightroom when on the road with "trial" adjustments, and I delete them once imported (slowly) to main PC/backup system over network, so I haven't come across a storage size limitation (yet!). I have to say that it does struggle a bit when processing D800 files, but it works.
I use a USB3 powered HDD when I need to carry larger amounts of business data.
It's the only "laptop" I've ever owned which is so easy to have by me all the time but which copes with just about everything I throw at it. I also looked for a hard case, but ended up with a small soft case sling bag which also carries my other bits: charger, leads, network adaptor, VGA adaptor etc etc. Once "out of the bag", I've found the lid and base finish pretty durable.
Cheers
Steve