Good new laptops for HD swapping? (sealed case problem, etc.)

Hi all,
I have an HP laptop that I bought in 2010 that I'm looking to upgrade from, what with the requirements for Win10 and such. One of the things I like about it is that the hard drive was easy to upgrade, since it had an slot that only required two screws to access. However, when I've been looking at new laptops, it seems like the standard now is to have the HD sealed within the case - not one of the laptops I looked at at Staples had a hard drive that was easily accessible. While I have to know-how to do a HD swap - I upgraded to an SSD on the laptop I'm currently using - I'm very leery of having to crack the case to get at the HD, since I believe that would invalidate the warranty and also make the thing impossible to return to the store if something else happened to it.

Does anyone have recommendations/advice on this - models, etc?. Being able to swap the HD out is one of the requirements I have for a new laptop. I'm also hoping to upgrade from a 15.6" to a 17" inch display, but know that may be too much to ask for. Any help would be appreciated!

 

Hard drives are usually made to be easily accessed. Even when hidden under a panel cover, it should not require too much dismantling of the laptop to access them.

 

The majority of computers now have a one-piece bottom cover. It contributes towards reducing weight as well as simplifying assembly (= lower cost).

While many manufacturers state that opening the computer will invalidate the warranty, few (none?) put seals. A competent user with the right tools can open the computer without it ever showing (don't damage any screw heads). Just remember that the warranty covers what was supplied so, in the unlikely situation that you need warranty service, restore the computer to the supplied condition.

John

 

Buy a business notebook rather than a consumer one - they're often designed with serviceability in mind rather than cost-engineered to cut every corner possible.


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That, friends is the answer. The business notebooks are designed for easy maintenance and drive and RAM replacement by IT personnel (including you, prospective owner). Exactly what you need.

 

Which is why the first place I look for my next purchase is Dell Outlet: Business notebooks at consumer notebook prices.

John

 

Thanks for all the replies and good ideas!