Help on buying a Dell Laptop

[imported_Grahf]

I would like to buy an Inspiron 8600 laptop from Dell and was wondering if I could easily upgrade the processor later.

I am planning on only getting the 30 gig hard drive and 256mb RAM because I am going to upgrade those items later, which I am sure I can do.

However, I don't know how upgradeable the processor is on this or laptops in general, since I have not had a lot of Laptop experience. I have built many PCs from scratch but never really owned a Laptop before so I don't know a lot about them. I would like to upgrade the Celeron 1.5ghz processor to a faster Pentium or Athlon later if possible.

Any answers or tips any of you can give me I would appreciate.

 

[Tseng]

The CPU is definitely upgradeable. But how would depends on your skills to handle a delicated machine. The good thing about Dell laptop is you will be able to find all the documents on-line includes how to change/upgrade CPU.

 

[imported_Grahf]

THX fot that info.

I did some searches and found that you can upgrade the processor as well as the graphics card. However, it is a little tricky, but I'm sure I could pull it off when I wish to do so.

I went ahead and bought the I8600 for $1,394.76.

Specs:
Intel® Pentium® M Processor 725(1.60A GHz/400MHz FSB)
15.4 WUXGA
512MB, DDR, 333MHz 2 Dimms
128MB DDR ATI's MOBILITY® RADEON? 9600 PROTURBO
40GB Ultra ATA Hard Drive
Operating System Microsoft® Windows® XP Home (Wish I wasn?t forced to buy this but oh well)
CD ROM/DVD ROM 8X Max DVD ROM
Wireless Networking Cards Dell® Wireless 1350 Internal Wireless (802.11b/g, 54Mbps)

 

[imported_Grahf]

I decided to go for more RAM and a better HD and processor because the deal though Dell SB was so much cheaper.

 

[stratman]

I'm typing from nearly the exact same machine as the one you're getting, it has the same specs except I have a SXGA+ screen. I plan to eventually upgrade the proc when prices come down and new ones come out, but you won't be able (AFAIK) to upgrade the video card. No newer ones will fit the specs.

So for the Radion 9600PT has been treating me sweet though, so I don't think that lack of upgrade to the GPU is a big deal, and this computer is fast as any I've ever used.

Good luck with your purchase.

 

[ViperXX]

I bought the 8500 last year and I love it! I never thought I'd be able to update the processor or the video. Is this possible on the 8500 as well? Would I be able to buy a 128MB ATI or Nvidia card that is currently being sold with the 8600 and replace my 64MB Nvidia Go card?

 

[Wuzup101]

I thought that was new for the 8600... atleast the upgradable GPU IIRC. You might be able to upgrade the CPU though...

 

[funggorgor]

don't bother about upgrade the processor
When you feel that your processor is outdated, the new processors most likely will have a new socket structure

 

[RedWolf]

You can generally upgrade any dedicated video card in a laptop. The hard part is getting one that fits. When the models are upgraded, the video card form tends to change. If Dell does release a new videocard that will fit, it can be hard to find one since those only tend to be sold to certified laptop technicians. You can find them on ebay, though. I upgraded an inspiron 8000 years ago from a 4 meg video card to an 8 meg Rage Pro.

I have an 8600 so I'm hoping that dell releases a 6800 mobility for the 8600c laptops. I doubt they will. Maybe a 9700 but the 6800's would probably require updated cooling due to heat.

 

[imported_Grahf]

I was supposed to get my laptop today but it looks like Dell is, "experiencing an unexpected delay."
I'll have to wait another week. 🙁

That would be great to upgrade to a 6800, but I don't think I will be upgrading my graphics card. Only my processor I might upgrade and of course RAM, HD, etc.