speed up s6231, memory or HDD?

it's been about 2 years that I have my s6231 and I feel that I need to speed it up a bit without buying a new laptop. I use it mainly for school using autoCAD, photoshop, illustrator. I will be using Form Z next year. Everything runs well but it is kind of slow loading the programs.

My laptop has 2x 256 ram and a 40gig 4200rpm ATA-100. not the fastest but runs everything well.

Is it better to upgrade the ram (add 1gig) or a faster HDD (7200rpm)?

I know that I have to get a non ecc type for the ram.
for the hard drive, I see that there is ATA-6 and serial ATA. I think serial ATA dosen't work for my laptop but what is ATA-6?
for the ram, I have looked at kingston and there is 2 types of ram. one is specific for the fujitsu (KFJ-FPC101/1G) and one is a generic model (1gig ram value).

for crucial, there is only one type. http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=5C891456A5CA7304

the specific one is more expensive than the ram value and the crucial one. Is there a reason?

Which one is better in the long run?

I need to have the computer running top shape like now since I don't have time for BSOD and all the crap that goes with bad ram and non compatible ram.

also, will a faster hdd kill my battery life?

sorry for the long post but I have a lot of questions.

 

Doing both upgrades will mean the computer should get a fair bit faster and more responsive. Specific RAM is always more expensive because it is just for one notebook, whereas standard RAM is cheaper, because it can work in many models. Crucial memory is very good, and I advise you to go with that RAM.

A faster hard disk will give you better boot up times and system speed should also be increased. Battery life decrease, but it won't be massively, and its worth it, compared to the extra speed gained. If your notebook uses an ATA hard disk, then the replacement one should also be ATA. ATA-6 is compatible with ATA.

 

http://www.microbytes.com/computer/ordinateur/product_info.php?products_id=21363

is this the same crucial ram as the one of my laptop?

the kingston one that is specific for my laptop is http://www.microbytes.com/computer/ordinateur/product_info.php?products_id=11203

it is from the store that I will buy.

 

Those prices are somewhat expensive for that RAM. If you are in the US, then take a look at the link below:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...1+1309121113+1309221120&name=DDR+333+(PC+2700)

Those RAM modues should work fine with your notebook, and they are a fair bit cheaper than the Crucial ones. Good brands to consider include Corsair, G. Skill, OCZ and Kingston.

 

i'm in canada.
I don't want the hassle to deal with customs when buying from the states.

 

In that case, you may want to try ncix.com. They seem to have a good selection of RAM, but the prices are a little higher. I'm not too sure of any other online retailers in Canada, however.

 

ncix isn't that cheaper than buying in a store. the crucial is 9$ cheaper and the other ones are about the same. factoring in the shipping, it is probably more expensive.

I'll have to look around to find cheaper retailers.

i'm still debating if I should spend the extra 75$ to get the kingston specific for my laptop for the peace of mind thet it is compatible or getting the crucial.

I don't have a lot of time to run after the company to get a replacement stick.