Upgrading older Laptops to the lastest 'Gspot'

Well,
Hello all.
Ok...so we have all been there. You walk into your local electronic dealer...and see...'IT'. "DEAR LORD, If only I would have waited just three weeks I could of had...THAT!![:0]" From: DVD/R-RW burners,Wireless,100GB harddrives, 64mb graphic card ,128mb soundcards,nuclear missile satatlite tracking mod and whatever else. The future landscape of the laptop is changing faster than than we can imagine. If your buying new, It's great. But,for the rest of us the big diffrence is it's BUILT-IN! Most of us will either have to pitch what we have in order to live in the now or....UPGRADE what we already have. For desktopers it's easy sexy and even fun! For us...can you say 'evil nightmare of hell!'[xx(]

I thought It would be great to get a list of all the hottests newest gear from the world of laptops then find out how we all could upgrade (and be the coolest once again). list where people could go, how to's and pricing in one blog. Usb, Usb 2.0, PCMCIA slots, Firewire and scareist:"...carefully remove screw A-3 from slot 2 and slowly remove outer cover...."[:0].

Let the upgrading Begin!!

 

It depends on what you're upgrading and who the manufacturer is. I think some Alienware machines support upgrading the video module...but that's specific to Alienware. Most machines are not meant to have their CPUs, video cards, and sound cards upgraded. Even upgrading the hard drive on some machines is a pain. Adding WiFi seems to be a relatively easy proposition as far as you can find the WiFi card.

Personally, I go for external devices. I've learned that you can never stay ahead of the curve and will just go broke trying. As soon as you pick up an item, something newer and better is around the corner. If I really need something THAT bad...I'll find an external model of it. Although, the less one has to carry, the better.

 

Just days ago I got to touch a laptop with a 100GB drive. I got the shakes.[ ]I had a moment. I'm thinking most laptops made after, let's say 1990 would support a harddrive upgrade. Right?

Seagate ST9100823A
100GB capacity
5400 RPM
ATA-5 standard interface
9.5mm high
5 Year Seagate Warranty


High performance, Seagtes 2.5" hard drives for mobile computers, with the capacity and reliability for advanced users.
$200.00 (US)

"Please Note : Some older laptops, normally Pentium P1 and some early PII/Celeron/AMD based laptops may not be able to use the new high capacity hard drives of 20GB and above. This is due to the limitation of the BIOS on these older laptops. You may be able to get an updated BIOS from the manufacturers website but you should check this BEFORE you purchase the hard drive."

also:
FUJITSU MHV2100AT HD1G (featuring the Ultra ATA 100 interface)

And Toshiba:
http://news.com.com/Toshiba+spins+more+storage+for+laptops/2100-1005_3-5197796.html

"Notebook drives, which use 2.5-inch platters, typically lag behind the capacity of desktop drives, which use 3.5-inch platters. Hitachi Global Storage, for example, recently added a 400GB desktop hard drive to its product line." C-Net News.com([:0]yea..your right. When they catch up to that, will be long dead. Hey, but if slow down on my McDonalds intake now..who knows?



But, fine. External it is.
More to come.................

 

Ok...boys and girls. External you ask for? External you get. Check this out:

Creative has announced the first ever PCMCIA form factor Sound Blaster, the Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook. The card can be plugged into any notebook or any computer that has a suitable PCMCIA slot.

"The PCMCIA Sound Blaster® Audigy® 2 ZS Notebook opens a new era of possibilities for the notebook user. It delivers features previously only available to PC users but now available to notebook users (even those that are highly mobile). This is achieved by combining ultra-high quality audio with advanced, hardware-accelerated features all in a tiny PCMCIA format card! For instance it delivers THX® certified 24-bit ADVANCED HD™ audio quality playback with incredible 104dB SNR, allowing the highest resolution audio playback with support for DVD-Audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz and Windows Media 9: 24-bit multi-channel audio format."

The Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Notebook also provides encompassing 7.1 surround sound for Dolby® Digital EX as well as DTS-ES™ supported DVD movies; any DirectSound3D games and CMSS 3D virtualized 7.1 stereo music. Gamers will love the hardware accelerated EAX® 4.0 ADVANCED HD™ that not only brings games to life, but delivers maximum performance! Musicians will also enjoy true 24-bit recording and low latency ASIO support for the ultimate audio recording platform. Notebook audio just got very, very interesting!"


What's the Specs?:

Supports 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound

“Speaker Docking Cable” for multi-channel speaker systems.

Hardware-accelerated EAX 4.0 ADVANCED HD and 3D positional audio

24-bit/192kHz playback (including Advanced Resolution DVD-Audio).

104dB SNR.

Creative Multi-Speaker Surround™ (CMSS) 3D support.

THX-certified, 24-bit, ADVANCED HD audio quality


Bundled software includes:


“Audio Clean Up” (correct scratches and pops in from recorded music)

“Smart Volume Management” (automatically normalizes the volume level across multiple songs)

a graphic equalizer, bass boost

“Smart Recorder” (for recording audio sources such as Internet radio, vinyl records, cassette, MiniDisc to MP3 format)

MediaSource to help organize and rip digital music collections

Price:
A mere $129.99(US).

A link..you ask?:

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/Audigy2zs_notebook/

And, more to come......
"Dead or alive...your coming with me!" Robocop(1987)

 

I bring more:
Slim PCMCIA 4X DVD Portable Burner
External DVD-R/RW DVD+R/RW Drive with High Speed PC Card, No External Power Needed


"Portable Slimline 4X DVD-R/RW DVD+R/RW Drive with the latest 32bit Cardbus technology high-speed PC Card. Allow you to burn the DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, CD-R, CD-RW media on your laptop computer without using the external power."

the price....not cheap!
$399![B)]ouch!

And for you out there with just a DVD or CD-R drive or just a CD-ROM:

"24X10X24X8 Slim PCMCIA CD-RW DVD Combo Drive
Slimline PC Card 24X/write 10X/rewrite 24X/read 8X/DVD Burn-Proof CD-ReWritable & DVD Combo Drive, No External Power needed"

I recommend this much more. But:
"This Combo drive with the high-speed PC Card allows you to watch DVD movie on your Pentium 600MHz or higher laptop computer by using the bundled Software MPEG2 decoding program"

Hardware MPEG-2 PCMCIA cards(DVD)do exist. These allow laptops with lower specs then above to play DVD movies.[ ](wouldn't work with my toshiba , but later read I needed a $300 add-on to make it work.[ !])But...They get VERY hot. So much so that they could kill a laptop by 'cooking' it from the inside without proper air flow.[xx(]

Hey, I've been there. And I've used both. PCMCIA is a godsend because it doesn't use up any usb ports and can power it's self. Plus, pull it out when you need it, and stuff it away when you don't.
This will save on battery power too.

Link:
http://www.expnet.com/product.nsf/Portable?OpenView&Start=1&Count=250

As always...More to come!

 

Back for more?

As I mentioned before, the PCMCIA slot can be very useful for upgrading. Firewire and Usb 2.0 are standerd on most laptops now. Firewire will allow you to transfer data at the fastest speed from one device to another (perfect for digital video work) and Daisy chain devices. Usb 2.0 (the upgrade from Usb 1.0) can power a device and also allows for increased data tranfer speeds. Just about anything you can think of runs off Usb now. (I saw a coffee warmer and a cigarette lighter just the other day![8)]). My laptop has 3 and a quite a few times that wasn't enough! If you have none or just one I would consider getting a: USB 2.0 / FireWire Combo CardBus(PCMCIA)Card. Most go for about $40(US) and I've seen cheaper ones as well. Why would I need this you ask[?]

USB: Full size Keyboard,Mouse,Trackball,Portable harddrive(2.5 IDE stand alone or drive kit),Full size harddrive (stand alone or 3.5 IDE In a drive kit), Audio/Video capture cards, Printers, Scanners, card readers(digital picture),flash drives,CD-R RW DVD-R RW optical Drives And much much more!
Firewire: Digtial video editing, harddrives(faster tranfer),CD-R RW DVD-R RW optical Drives, and more coming.

Links:
http://www.newegg.com/app/viewproductdesc.asp?description=15-104-234&DEPA=1
(This is crazy?![:0])
http://www.akibalive.com/archives/000502.html

and I will return...

 

Back Once again....

This time I'll list a few(mostly)Inexpensive gear add-ons that might help you out.

First, for about $15-19(US)is the:

Targus Traveler CoolPad®

"The Traveler CoolPad® raises the back edge of your notebook to increase airflow, improving the cooling efficiency of your notebook, doing wonders for your mobile work environment! The CoolPad® also allows a 360-degree rotation of your notebook, while the six small rubber pads on the bottom provide a tight grip, ideal for air travelers. Offering more than just ergonomic benefits, the CoolPad® also protects your notebook from liquid spills!"

link:
http://www.targus.com/us/product_details.asp?sku=PA239U

Air Travelers indeed....How about us 'StarBuckers'! Well, this small black plastic (Non-dj)turntable works wonders on the ground as well. And it fits well in my:

Belkin
NE-SC Notebook Slip Case

Part # F8N006

"The NE-SC Notebook Slip Case by Belkin provides convenient, portable storage for the computer-user on the go. In addition to its lightweight design, the NE-SC features stow-away handles and non-slip sides for secure and easy transport. Its top-loading convenience makes accessing the notebook section-especially while traveling by plane or train-easier than ever."

Now this is a very cheap in price($20(US), but pretty hardy notebook case. They make better, but I felt this was the best of the bunch. Lots of protective padding, lightweight, and well put together. By the way, a standard 15" Inch case will fit a 15" Inch Widescreen laptop...most of the time, I found. Did I mention that it looks 'Urban professional' cool Too[^]? You will probably buy many laptop bags to protect your investment. I think I've got up to 7 or 8 stuffed away right now! The bigger bulky ones are great for that trip to help out that buddy still running 98se. You never know what your going to need, so you bring everything. (A good hammer!![} ]) But most of the time I just need my laptop and a few disks. So small and lite is what I go for mostly.

Link:
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=160449


The place Im in may be very loud and busy or quiet and peacefully. So when I start playing my favorite Insane Space Clown rap/polka music non stop mega mix on my laptop...use headphones. So should you:

SONY
Fontopia® Headphones
MDR-EX71SL/WK

"Your digital music player and or laptop needs headphones that can hang. The MDR-EX71SL/WK are a step up from standard headphones, delivering premium sound with superior bass, all in a super-light in-the-ear design. The classic style, white with silver and gray accents, complement a wide range of portable audio players. The super small 9mm drivers make for a comfortable fit, and include the sonic isolation of soft silicon earbuds. The package includes three sizes of earbuds to accommodate a full range of ears, a 400 kJ/mã a Ultra-High-Power Neodymium Magnet, a hard carrying case, one meter extension cord, and an earbud holder."

The best I've found. $49(US) Not the cheapest, but the quailty Is unmatched, their very small, and block out most of the world around you.(good bass to!![ ])

Link:
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=MDREX71SL

Coffee+blatter=[:I]
Get a laptop lock and or alarm, carry it in your bag and use it. But, my advise is to NEVER leave it alone even with a lock. I think E-Bay is filled with other peoples 'MISTAKES'. Better to put it in standby, stuff it in your bag and do your business than come back to a empty table and a broken heart.[:0]

Link:
http://www.microsaver.com//html/5667.html

Until next time....

 

...And now for some gear you've never heard of.

PowerMate USB Multimedia Controller & Input Device

"Made of high-quality machined aluminum, PowerMate feels like a solid volume knob pulled right off the front of a world-class stereo. Its heavy weight and tactile feel are a welcome departure from typical plastic USB peripherals. The programmable PowerMate functions beautifully as a convenient volume knob, video editing Jog/Shuttle wheel and thats just for starters. Customize it to your own needs and get wild."

Ah...you will get a few strange looks useing this at some places...
But darn it! It looks COOL!

Price
$45(US)

http://dv411.com/powermate.htm

Ok...well, how about:

Mind Blowing Sound in a
USB Sound Card the size of your thumb![:0]

"The Turtle Beach Audio Advantage® Micro is a portable USB Audio Adapter (or USB Sound Card) with both analog and digital outputs that incorporates a surround-sound simulator for creating an immersive listening experience on standard headphones or stereo speakers."

Price
$29.99 (US)

http://www.turtlebeach.com/site/products/audioadvantage/


Mmmm....yes well this will get you:

FlashPath Floppy Disk Adapter

"FlashPath is an electronic device shaped like a standard 3.5-inch floppy diskette; it fits into and works from a 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive. FlashPath has a slot in the side that accepts secure digital and smartmedia multimedia cards."

Price
13.99!![ ] to 109.99!!!![B)] (US)
(requires a small, flat 3.3 volt battery)

http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=50178490&pfp=BROWSE

And last, but not least...

Zippy EL-610 Lighted Keyboard

"The Zippy EL-610 is a super slim, "super mini" notebook style keyboard featuring a total of 91 keys and a handy USB interface for use on both the PC and Mac platforms.
One of the coolest features of the EL-610 is with the press of a button the keyboard will light up in a rather bright blue that is viewable in just about any indoor lighting condition. The blue glow comes from a thin sheet of Electron Luminescence film that is located under the keys. The way I understand it, this film is basically a low power cathode light that draws its power from the USB port, though regardless,the glow is really cool."

I got one. And....It truly is WAY cool![ ]

$39.99 (US) (Check Ebay for cheaper pricing)

http://www.ninjalane.com/display.aspx?docname=zippy-610

More..as always...coming.