Why is this specific model (5315) so appreciated?

As you can see... i'm new around here. So... i don't know if these questions where asked before. A search is useless because the words i used where so common :|.

I want to know a few things (for most of the questions a simple YES/NO answer is enough ):

1. This model is popular because is very easy to upgrade and change the internal hardware components?
2. The 5315 was a flaw of the producer... aka the internal design is a mistake and that is why users have easy access to the CPU and they can change it. (this is just my conclusion based on the fact that i thought that a laptop is build in such a way so you can't modify it)
3. The MAIN problem with other notebooks/producers is the FIRMWARE build to allow only minor or NO changes to the hardware?
4. Most of the notebooks are build in such a way so you can't change or replace the internal components with ease ?
5. Can you mention another model from ACER that accepts 4 GB of ram as default AND has the advantage of an easy CPU upgrade? (if NOT... do you know another laptop, from another producer that can be upgraded and has 4GB of ram [or more] )
6. If a new processor is so cheap (about 200-300 $), why the notebook producers sell their products at a price of 1500-2000 $ only because they have a high end CPU ?(the same model, but the processor is an entry level one, is about 500 $)

10x in advance.

P.S. A proud ACER 5315 owner.

 

1. YES. Also, because it's very cheap.
2. NO. Where did you hear that?
3. NO. Some notebooks have BIOS(firmware) limitations but it's not a major issue.
4. NO. Almost all laptops nowadays have many upgradable parts. In 5315 for example you can upgrade: HDD(hard disk), CPU, CPU Fan, CPU Heatsink, WiFi(wireless), RAM, ODD(dvd drive). You CANNOT upgrade your graphic card, it's integrated into the motherboard. Same is true for the sound card an other integrated components.
5. Mine, Aspire 5715. But it uses the same motherboard as 5315 so it doesn't count Anyway, most of the new models does support 4GB, you just make sure the laptop does NOT use GL960 or GL40 chipsets. For the record 5315 does NOT have 4GB support, it supports 3GB at most.
6. The notebooks may have very expensive components aside the CPU. The screen and the GPU(dedicated graphic card) for example can easily cost 1000 bucks for some notebooks. Then there is build quality, brand etc. etc.

 

2. I didn't hear this from anyone... i just presumed. For example some processors (i think my desktop has one) can be "hacked" and you can easily gain more performance or can access different features, like the ability to change to multiplier and stress only the CPU in a case of a OC. (i have a AMD thunderbird 2000+)
5. Are you sure about the 3 GB part? I could buy a new module today if i knew that i can pass the 2 GB limit. (so... 1 GB + 2 GB modules). BSOD appear with 4 GB... as i read in one of the popular posts.
6. I know a "few" things about hardware and YOU are right about the build quality, or the screen... or some things that are not mentioned in the advertise. BUT... the main components are, most of the time, about the same in terms of performance. ALSO the brand costs... :|

 

2. The CPUs can be overclocked in some notebooks. For 5315 this is not possible(unknown clock generator). Generally, the desktop are much more open for customization.
5. I've seen various post here in the ACER section about that but never did it myself so I cannot confirm this at 100%. I know that in order this two work you need to put the stick in certain combination(I don't remember it exactly though hopefully someone else will help here). AND you might need to update your BIOS.
6. Nope, this is not true. The main components have major influence in the price tag:
1. Screen - depending on inches and resolution supported may increase the price with 3-400 buck.
2. GPU - a good GPU, for example Nvidia 9600GT costs like 300-400 bucks, high end GPUs will cost double. AND there are SLI/Crossfire configuration which are really expensive.
3. CPU - again can cause a huge price increase. For example a x9100 will increase the price in certain configuration with like $800 or more.
4. HDD/SSD - HDDs are cheap now, the difference between low capacity/speed and high capacity/speed is not so significant($50). The SSDs though are REALLY expensive(can cost up to $2500).
5. Build quality and brand - The manufacturer is important, a Dell, HP or Lenovo will cost more than ACER with the same components.

If you check the News&Reviews section you'll see laptops that cost 4-6K, there is even one that costs 12K!!!

You got the point right? Let me know if you have more questions.

Important: I don't pretend all I said here is true at 100%, especially with the prices. I just made some examples so you can see the difference.