Generally, whenever a computer user buys a brand new laptop almost no though is normally given to their future requirements. The laptop purchased could end up not being fast enough or possibly not having enough storage capacity.
Consideration is given to some of the limited upgrades that can be applied to the typical laptop.
Some manufacturers' of laptops facilitate a range of upgrades, however others make it very challenging to upgrade anything excluding RAM and the hard drive.
Usually the hard disk drive can be upgraded; it is normally located inside a door on the underneath of the laptop or slides into the edge of case. Usually, you can remove the old drive and easily insert a larger unit, however, be careful to use the correct type of hard disk drive because the interface varies. Several laptops and several netbooks use a solid state hard disk drive, this often can't be easily upgraded as it is either part of the motherboard or is very difficult to get to inside the laptop.
Upgrading the RAM is often the first upgrade that the laptop user will consider. It is relatively easy as most laptops possess a small screwed door under the case where an additional RAM chip might be inserted. Sometimes, when you find there are two RAM sockets, both may already be occupied. If this is the case then both should be removed and either one or two larger capacity chips installed.
After upgrading the RAM and hard disk the next consideration could well be whether to upgrade the processor. This is much more difficult and expensive than the later but it will give an increased operating speed. Unfortunately, to find the CPU the laptop will need to be completely deconstructed; this would normally only be a job for an experienced user as it is easy to damage the laptop motherboard. Occasionally, processor chips cannot be changed or upgraded as they are not in a socket but are soldered on the motherboard, this is usually the case with netbooks.
The video chip can rarely be upgraded unless the laptop manufacturer has designed a separate video board connected to the motherboard via a socket. Video cards will always be very expensive and must be exactly matched with the make and model of laptop, so this upgrade may not worthwhile.
It would be a good idea to upgrade the WI-FI card to a faster unit. This can be usually quiet simple as well as affordable, however, some manufacturers make it very difficult to locate the existing card often putting it under the keyboard.
Laptops will never be as upgradeable as the average PC; however, some manufacturers appear to make even the simplest upgrade extremely difficult for the average user. If possible, consider very carefully precisely what specification you require and are likely to require during the expected lifetime of the laptop, and buy the correct model at the outset. This may save you worrying about an upgrade in the future!
Consideration is given to some of the limited upgrades that can be applied to the typical laptop.
Some manufacturers' of laptops facilitate a range of upgrades, however others make it very challenging to upgrade anything excluding RAM and the hard drive.
Usually the hard disk drive can be upgraded; it is normally located inside a door on the underneath of the laptop or slides into the edge of case. Usually, you can remove the old drive and easily insert a larger unit, however, be careful to use the correct type of hard disk drive because the interface varies. Several laptops and several netbooks use a solid state hard disk drive, this often can't be easily upgraded as it is either part of the motherboard or is very difficult to get to inside the laptop.
Upgrading the RAM is often the first upgrade that the laptop user will consider. It is relatively easy as most laptops possess a small screwed door under the case where an additional RAM chip might be inserted. Sometimes, when you find there are two RAM sockets, both may already be occupied. If this is the case then both should be removed and either one or two larger capacity chips installed.
After upgrading the RAM and hard disk the next consideration could well be whether to upgrade the processor. This is much more difficult and expensive than the later but it will give an increased operating speed. Unfortunately, to find the CPU the laptop will need to be completely deconstructed; this would normally only be a job for an experienced user as it is easy to damage the laptop motherboard. Occasionally, processor chips cannot be changed or upgraded as they are not in a socket but are soldered on the motherboard, this is usually the case with netbooks.
The video chip can rarely be upgraded unless the laptop manufacturer has designed a separate video board connected to the motherboard via a socket. Video cards will always be very expensive and must be exactly matched with the make and model of laptop, so this upgrade may not worthwhile.
It would be a good idea to upgrade the WI-FI card to a faster unit. This can be usually quiet simple as well as affordable, however, some manufacturers make it very difficult to locate the existing card often putting it under the keyboard.
Laptops will never be as upgradeable as the average PC; however, some manufacturers appear to make even the simplest upgrade extremely difficult for the average user. If possible, consider very carefully precisely what specification you require and are likely to require during the expected lifetime of the laptop, and buy the correct model at the outset. This may save you worrying about an upgrade in the future!