What initial notebook upgrades should I make?

July 8, 2005 4:47 AM

Just got a notebook (first one, woohoo!) and have $60 to invest further. What do you suggest?

I am probably going to up the RAM to 1 G (purchasing a 512 MB SDRAM SODIMM 266 Mhz Corsair chip through Tiger Direct), but I just wanted to ask this knowledgeable community their thoughts. I don't game, but I might get a few now that I have capabilities. I have a spare PC Card slot, too. Thoughts?

posted by mic stand to computers & internet (16 comments total)

Boost it to $100 and buy yourself a backup hard drive. Everything else is gravy.
posted by realcountrymusic at 5:13 AM on July 8, 2005

It's all about RAM. I definitely second you throwing your $60 in that direction.
posted by JPowers at 5:37 AM on July 8, 2005

Congratulations!

My priorities would be:

1) A good way to back up your files, because you might have your notebook stolen one day and you'll wish you still had your stuff. See realcountrymusic's advice above for a cheap and workable solution.

2) A good case or bag so you don't break it while out and about. Some notebooks are tougher than others, but they're all machines with moving parts.

3) More RAM: the most bang-for-the-buck hardware upgrade you can ever make, but not as important as protecting your data and your machine.
posted by jmcmurry at 5:40 AM on July 8, 2005

Your internal hard drive might crash too. I agree that a good backup mechanism is the most important thing.
posted by grouse at 6:01 AM on July 8, 2005

The fortunate thing is I have a Maxtor 80 GB external hard drive already, so I am set. I also got a bag for it, too. What about PC cards? I don't know much about these...what are the best choices? What about batteries? I am going to get the memory, but I don't want my battery to die while I watch a dvd (for example).
posted by mic stand at 6:34 AM on July 8, 2005

By the way, thank you for your suggestions.
posted by mic stand at 6:35 AM on July 8, 2005

Do you have a lock? A good lock is a must if you'll be taking it places. Makes everything else secondary to me.

But after the lock I would get some RAM. You can never have too much RAM.
posted by LunaticFringe at 6:35 AM on July 8, 2005

If it doesn't already have built-in wireless, a wireless card might be a good choice to put in the PC card slot.

Also, maybe a mouse/trackball? (And/or a gamepad, depending on what kind of games you like.)
posted by box at 7:45 AM on July 8, 2005

Get a USB mouse.
posted by cmonkey at 8:50 AM on July 8, 2005

You're unlikely to need the PC Card slot on a new laptop, and there's much more useful stuff you could get (like RAM, batteries, and external human interface devices (monitor/keyboard/mouse).
posted by grouse at 8:52 AM on July 8, 2005

I use my notebook outside of the house a lot and first thing I bought was an addition to my renter's insurance policy that would cover my notebook. For something insane like $30 a year, I have peace of mind that if I spill coffee, drop it, or it gets lifted when I use the restroom at the cafe... I'll be able to replace it.
posted by FearTormento at 9:00 AM on July 8, 2005

FearTormento-

That's it!! I thought about that awhile ago and completely forgot. Thanks for the reminder. Memory is on it's way and a call to my renter's insurance will be made soon. I think the lock is a good idea too. I have the USB mouse (and keyboard) and a built-in wireless card already.

Thanks again all, I just want to make sure I invest wisely.
posted by mic stand at 9:28 AM on July 8, 2005

There is no "investment" when it comes to buying computer stuff, but enjoy the notebook!
posted by kindall at 11:21 AM on July 8, 2005

I wonder if renters' insurance covers accidental damage to a laptop, other than theft or fire or water. Spilled coffee? I seriously doubt it.
posted by realcountrymusic at 2:31 PM on July 8, 2005

ram is crucial and makes the difference. id also get a wireless mouse.
posted by chuckforthought.com at 3:08 PM on July 10, 2005

If it's going to live a portable life, buy a sturdy, compact case for it. It needs to be something that you'll use.

I settled on Crumpler's School Hymn.
posted by deanj at 4:26 PM on July 12, 2005