General laptop questions 1

[fugigoose]

Hi, I'm a desktop vetran, but a laptop noob. So my grandma got some new HP laptop and gave me her old persario. It's not too bad, AMD K6-2 266, 32mb ram. I've decided it wouldn't be that hard or expensive to upgrade to at least a level that I can load win XP onto it. So, I have 3 questions for you before I order parts, each pertaining to a different part:

1.The cpu appears to be a normal AMD K6-2 that i've worked with before. I don't see any markings saying mobile or anything. Can I use a regular k6-2 in it, perhaps a 333? Is it likely that the mobo supports that?

2.It appears that the 32mb is built into the mobo, but there is an expansion slot on the back. What kind of ram do I need? Is it just pc100/pc133 like it is with a regular K6-2 system? I know its obviously a different form. Also, how much do you suppose the mobo can take. If it can take it, id like to give it 256 mb.

3.The hard drive. It appears to use a standard laptop HD connection (i've dealt with laptop HD's before), but i'm curious as to how the size varies. Are all laptop HD's pretty much the same physical size?

I know a lot of these questions are vauge and may vary from model to model, but I just was checking to see if upgrading a laptop is as simple as it seems. Thanks

 

[fugigoose]

BTW, its a Persario 1235. I looked into ram, and i can only add another 64, bumber! But i'd still curious as to exactly what kind. Also, it refers to the HD and CD drive as 'integrated' but they are totally removable and look like normal drives to me. Will a new HD even work?

 

[satrow]

SDram, PC66 non-parity

http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/lis...&mfr=HP&cat=RAM&model=Presario+1235&submit=Go

It should take a 20 or 30GB 4200 or 5400rpm drive (plenty of advertisers trying to sell 20GB drives "20GB 2.5" EIDE internal hard drive for Compaq Presario 1230-1279 series").

As for a CPU upgrade - probably - will have to be 66Mhz bus but check voltage requirements and ensure that the cooling system fans etc. are clear of fluff and dust.

Andy.

 

[paparazi]

fugigoose
You will probably be pushing it a bit trying to get XP to run:
XP really needs:
Absolute minimum of 128mb ram but to be honest even thats a joke 256 just about covers it (the issue you have is how much memory will that 1 slot take? I'm guessing 128, I could be wrong.
XP also requires a CPU speed in excess of 500mhz OK I know I've seen many clever dicks with PII 200's but honestly they must be sooooo slow.
And then there is the issue of hard drive space.
OK so I'm not saying it can't be done but is it economically viable and will it run adequately when done.
Martin

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