The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Lenovo N100: Upgradable?!

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by feinberg, Sep 24, 2006.

  1. feinberg

    feinberg Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    38
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hello again,

    This time I have a very straightforward question:
    Is it possible to upgrade the Lenovo 3000 N100 graphics card?

    The model which I am planning to buy (my budget = $750) has the
    Intel GMA 950 which, according to some threads isn't all that good (to say the least).
    I do not plan on much gaming (although it would be nice to have that option) but I am hearing more and more that dedicated CPU will be favorable in future softwares...

    here are some stats of the system that might have an effect on graphics:

    Intel Core Duo T2300E(1.66GHz)
    14.1" WXGA Resolution
    Resolution 1280 x 800 with Wide Screen Support
    Graphics GPU/VPU Intel GMA950 Video Memory Shared 128MB Graphic Graphics Card Intel GMA950
    Type Integrated Card
    Memory Size 512MB DDR2
    Hard Disk 80GB
    Video Memory shared memory
    CPU FSB 667MHz
    CPU L2 Cache 2MB
    Chipset Intel 945GM


    Thanks for all your help!
     
  2. Airman

    Airman Band of Gypsys NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    703
    Messages:
    1,675
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Nope. it is not possible to upgrade.
     
  3. ed22

    ed22 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    96
    Messages:
    103
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    You are better off upgrading the memory. 512MB is way too low, especially with the GMA 950, it will take some of it.
     
  4. Reize

    Reize Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    347
    Messages:
    2,652
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    99% of notebooks GPUs are not upgradable, and those that are have to be very specific to the model, which doesn't allow much room for futureproofness in that area.

    Have you purchased the notebook yet? IF not we can try and find a notebook that would suit your needs.
     
  5. feinberg

    feinberg Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    38
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Thanks for your replies!

    Resize: I place the order on the notebook but I can cancel it until Monday...
    though I think this notebook is the right one since I am not planning to do gaming and, except for watching dvd's, word processing and web suffering doesn't require a great graphics card...The only reason I asked is that I might de some graphic design and/or use 3-D design programs in the future...

    I also researched dedicated g.c. and found that most notebook with dedicated are above the $900 price level (except for some dell models but after reading many threads in this forum, dell seems like a bad choice).

    Thanks again.
     
  6. Dreamer

    Dreamer The Bad Boy

    Reputations:
    2,699
    Messages:
    5,621
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    I wouldn't say that Dell is so bad choice...
    but I'd rather say that N100 is a bad choice.. (sorry personal experience)

    if could cancel it I'd suggest to do it

    and you can fill the FAQ to see the other options
     
  7. irishrover

    irishrover Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Well I have counter Dreamer's response that the N100 is a bad choice.

    I purchased an N100 and have been totally thrilled with it. Couple that with a reasonable price, specs, plus a $100 mail in rebate you really can't go wrong.

    You mentioned that you thought about doing 3D/Graphics on the machine. I would say that if that is your plan, I would opt for a dedicated graphics card.
     
  8. LarrynKy

    LarrynKy Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    25
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I agree with Irishrover..my N100 has been great and would highly recommend it...I purchased mine at Office Depot...
     
  9. Dreamer

    Dreamer The Bad Boy

    Reputations:
    2,699
    Messages:
    5,621
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Ok Guys,

    And so, I've tried all Lenovo 3000 Series and I'm really disappointed.
    These notebooks are too Chinese for me. Probably a part of the problem is that I have ThinkPad but I've tried Dell and HP too, which can be found at price similar to N100's, and I prefer them so much then N100.

    The things that I hate about N100 (very briefly)

    - bad screen protection
    - scratched plastic
    - ugly design and colors
    - the viewing angle is not so good (bad especially for glossy screen)
    - simply awful speakers
    - fan is a bit loud
    - cheap and rough touchpad, buttons are loud and clattering with uncomfortably short throws (just trash)
    - unremarkable battery life (~ 2h)

    sorry but HP and even Dell offer better solutions.

    I'm just trying to be objective...
     
  10. irishrover

    irishrover Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    12
    Messages:
    208
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I can understand your objectiveness and I do agree that the speakers are trash. As far as the fan, plastic,touchpad and battery life are concerned, I have not experienced any of these issues. Actually my battery gets 3+ hours and I use a Bluetooth mouse instead of the track pad.

    I too have tried Dell and HP and honestly I would never own another Dell. As for the HP's there great machines. I could go on a rant about HP and Dell on their prespective flaws as well.

    What it boils down to is what each user's needs are and how much they are willing to spend. In some instances to get the same compnents, one would have to spend more on an HP or Dell then they would if they purchased the Lenovo.
     
  11. Dreamer

    Dreamer The Bad Boy

    Reputations:
    2,699
    Messages:
    5,621
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Everyone has their opinion and I respect that, otherwise the world would be boring...

    You're right to say "honestly I would never own another Dell"
    and me too saying: I'll never recommend anything from Lenovo 3000 Series...

    I really don't have reason to be subjective... but I am , everyone is ...
    so if N100 is good for you, enjoy it , I have nothing against...

    Actually N100 is reviewed on this site (I've just checked) so you could read the review and you'll see issues similar to those that I mentioned...

    as for the money I'm talking only about the case with similar prices...
     
  12. herc

    herc Newbie

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I have to agree here sorry Dell have the LOUDEST fans very mini rant over ;)