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    So how, if I can, can I make these 3 upgrades on a Studio 1555?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by lottdod_1999, Jun 4, 2009.

  1. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd like to eventually add

    internal Bluetooth card
    wireless N card
    SSD in addition to regular HDD, for backup and faster file access for some files.

    as you can see I'm thinking of filling the three card slots
    I love that this laptop can be upgraded!

    What parts do I need, or at least, which do you suggest?

    Also will they add any significant weight?
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 4, 2009
    #1
  2. Ice Cold

    Ice Cold Notebook Deity

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    This is kinda what I did on my 1737 I left all the slots open.

    802.11n card from Intel works great (this came preisntalled of course)
    SSD 80GB got a great deal, really improved battery life
    HDTV Tuner card, looks amazing in 1080p with the RGB LED screen. my only problem now is that recording off air TV shows in 720p is filling up my 80GB SSD
     
    Ice Cold, Jun 4, 2009
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  3. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    What did you use on the SSD and what did you use on the HDD?

    Would a wireless N card have any benefit if I'm on a G network?
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 4, 2009
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  4. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    You wouldn't notice any difference on a G network.
     
    Mastershroom, Jun 4, 2009
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  5. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    lottdod_1999, Jun 4, 2009
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  6. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    Well then SHOULD I get a wireless N router? Would it make any noticeable difference?

    I shouldn't even be asking since I need to get a new router anyway since my belkin keeps doing a south park (that episode where the internet died) everytime there's a spike in bandwidth. It's awful
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 5, 2009
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  7. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    If you're going to get a new router anyway, then I guess you might as well get a router that broadcasts N, and then install a wireless-N card in the laptop. The main benefits of N over G are longer range and higher connection bandwidth. The range thing is pretty useless in a home environment, though; even wireless-G will reach across the street.
     
    Mastershroom, Jun 5, 2009
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  8. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    True.. heh maybe it'll make it easier for people to steal my internet. Will there ever be another application? LIke wireless N at colleges or citywide internet or anything that will utilize it?
    Yeah we do need a new router anyway.. so it's kinda tough to figure out what to do.
    If so I was thinking of the half (of a half) mini PCIe card Intel 5300.. but all I see on ebay are chinese sellers, are they reputable?

    http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dell-Intel-...66:2|39:1|72:1205|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50

    http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Dell-Intel-...66:2|39:1|72:1205|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 5, 2009
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  9. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    At the moment, wireless-G is pretty much the standard for WiFi hotspots like universities and cafés. N is just the next step, just like G replaced B, which replaced A. And most likely something will eventually replace N in the future.

    Either one of those sellers are fine. I bought my 5300 from a Chinese seller. The shipping tends to take a little while thanks to international shipping times, but you'll be fine. If you're concerned about a particular seller's reliability, just check their ratings and feedback.
     
    Mastershroom, Jun 5, 2009
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  10. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    Thanks.
    So that leaves two slots.. I just gotta wait for SSD prices to go down. Newegg has PCIe mini sata or pata.. what's the difference?
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 5, 2009
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  11. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    The PCIe Mini interface is the kind that goes into the mini-card slot. A SATA model would replace your 2.5" SATA hard drive, and PATA is incompatible with the Studio 15.
     
    Mastershroom, Jun 5, 2009
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  12. BlackHawk7

    BlackHawk7 Notebook Evangelist

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    So does this suggest anyone can add an SSD in the notebook along with a HDD or do they have to be swapped?
     
    BlackHawk7, Jun 5, 2009
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  13. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    err so is there any kind of ssd that can fit in one of the mini-card slots?
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 5, 2009
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  14. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    Mastershroom, Jun 5, 2009
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  15. lottdod_1999

    lottdod_1999 Notebook Evangelist

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    Yeah I think you told me about these before but I couldnt find it
    it has to be half mini to fit in the full height mini card slot right?
     
    lottdod_1999, Jun 5, 2009
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  16. Mastershroom

    Mastershroom wat

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    Right. For whatever reason, the terminology differs when it comes to SSD's, probably because they're mainly designed for netbooks, which evidently have longer mini-card slots.

    Half-height SSD corresponds to the full height slot on the notebook. Full height SSD will not fit in any slot. And the half-height slot on the notebook will not fit any SSD. By that logic, I guess it would be a quarter-height SSD if it existed.
     
    Mastershroom, Jun 5, 2009
    #16