Laptop upgrade question

[SGirl]

Hi everyone,

After a few days spent away from a PC and suffering major withdrawal symptoms I've decided the time has come to do something about my laptop. I currently have a Toshiba that's about 2.5 years old. I can't even remember the spec - it's so rarely used because it's so slow compared with my desktop PCs and it drives me crazy! It doesn't even have a CD writer...

Since lots of you know lots about these things, and I'm the first to admit I know nowt about laptops, I was hoping you could give me some advice. Would it be wise - or even possible now - to upgrade the RAM, etc. in the laptop, or is this more trouble than it's worth? Would it be cheaper to just buy a new one? (I'm pretty certain it would be easier!)

Thanks in advance for your help!

[miniman]

You can only increase the RAM if (a)there are free slots available or (b) you chuck away the existing RAM and replace it altogether.

This will also depend on whether you can get compatible RAM for an old laptop - it may be DIMMS, SIMMS, 30 pin, 72 pin etc.

Does it absolutely have to be a laptop? You can get a lot more desktop for your money! Try www.dell.co.uk - I have both a Dell laptop and desktop and they are both excellent.

[SGirl]

miniman said: You can only increase the RAM if (a)there are free slots available or (b) you chuck away the existing RAM and replace it altogether.

Thanks Miniman! That's what I was thinking, but as you said, it all depends on whether I can still get the right kind of RAM. Not 100% sure about this.... What are the chances after 2.5 years?

I've already got several desktops, I was just thinking of something a bit more portable for when I have to go away. You're right, though - desktops are much better value for the money. Might swap one of the work PCs before the end of the tax year too...

[tvradict]

My Dad asked me about a month ago to Upgrade his laptop for him.

To put it simply, "Fcuk off and buy another one."

Laptops are quite tough to upgrade, particularly as everything is so small the parts are very expensive. Take the CD Writer that cost £120 out of your computer and try and put it in your laptop. See what I mean.

Your best bet is to find a recent (Last 12 months) second hand one as the New prices today are expensive, but you do get a lot for your money.

My Dad found himself a Pentium 3 Sony VAIO for £400 Jammy Sod.

HTH

[SGirl]

Thanks Tvradict - that's what I was afraid of. It makes more sense financially to just chuck out the old one - sorry, let's be PC and recycle it!! - than to mess around upgrading and stuff.

Thanks for the tip on buying second-hand, though - I hadn't thought of that and it does make sense given that I'm unlikely to be using the machine all that much.

Okay then - anyone got a recent laptop they want to sell me?!

[miniman]

SGirl said:Okay then - anyone got a recent laptop they want to sell me?!

Yes, but I may get in trouble when I go back to work next week!

[agent006]

Try the Dell Factory outlet. They're systems that have been returned, or cancelled orders etc.

www.euro.dell.com/countries/uk/enu/dfo/default.htm

If you've got £1200 kicking about, there's a very nice Latitude C840 on there.

[armynick]

Sgirl, if you want portability, get the new Panasonic R1 Toughbook.

I previously Had an ACI Diamond, but they don't make them anymore. The Panasonic is one of only 2 full power mini-notebooks on the market. The other is Fujutsi-Siemens, but isn't as good.

It's got a Pent 111 800,plenty fast enough for internet and normal business use, has upgradeable MB and mines got 20GB. You can get portable add ons from Freecom.com ( I like my DVD s when travelling) It weighs no more than the average filofax and have a 10.4 inch screen.

Have a look in the xmas 2002 what laptop issue, or on their website. www.whatlaptop.co.uk

It also looks damn Gucci too!

[loserkid]

SGirl said: Thanks Tvradict - that's what I was afraid of. It makes more sense financially to just chuck out the old one - sorry, let's be PC and recycle it!! - than to mess around upgrading and stuff.

Thanks for the tip on buying second-hand, though - I hadn't thought of that and it does make sense given that I'm unlikely to be using the machine all that much.

Okay then - anyone got a recent laptop they want to sell me?!

Let me know the model number and I'll let you know what upgrades are available - otherwise I'm looking for a cheap laptop soon to run my Scalextric system!