Aspire 5100 upgrades - worth it?

I'm thinking of spending a few bucks ($100?) on my girlfriend's Aspire 5100-3372. It currently is in its stock configuration: Vista Premium factory install, AMD Turion MK-36, 2x512mb RAM.

I had considerd:

1) Clean install of OS to remove unnecessary bloatware and basically start with a clean slate. The GF is wary of this though; it will take some persuading to convince her to let me wipe her computer.

2)Upgrade RAM to either 2x1gb or 512mb+2gb, basically depending on what's on sale when I'm ready to buy.

3)Upgrade processor. Tell me if I'm mistaken, but a MK-36 should be able to be swapped for a dual-core x2 TL-series? Assuming so, which one might you recommend? I would consider buying an OEM take-out processor (probably have to in order to stay under budget.)

Finally, do you feel it's even worth it to spend this kind of money on a computer that only cost $399 to begin with?

Thanks,

Mac

 

Do the RAM, leave the processor alone.

 

Since the notebook is running vista I would upgrade the ram to 2Gb (2x1Gb).
As for processor (well this is a personal choice) but I would upgrade to a turion x2 as the MK-36 uses socket s1 like the TL series. A TL-60 would be my choice but this decision is really up to you, remember upgrading a processor while still under warranty will void your warranty.

When it comes to re-installing windows well acers don't come with any extra bloat the only unneeded software they come with IMO is the acer empowering utilities which are easily removed; as fas as I remember you shouldn't have any AOL etc trailware on the factory install from acer.