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inspired888 · 08-11-2007, 08:05 PM

Hi Folks,
I've spent some hours hunting around the internet for detailed information and assistance with upgrading my laptop. I recently found out (via a PC WORLD article that it is far more upgradeable that I originally thought. So I am keen to make a few changes. I've not, however, been able to get answers to some basic questions. Perhaps your know some of these answers?

1) A few years ago when my HDD died I called Acer to find out how large (capacity) a drive I could put in. They said it was 40GB. Now that happens to be the largest off-the-shelf configuration this particular laptop was marketed with. Mine had a 30gb when I got it. There was nothing much bigger then 40 or 60gb in 2.5in HDDs when I first bought the laptop. However, much larger ones are now avaialble. I asked that technician why it could not take a larger one (like 80gb). He just said that 40 gb is the largest it is designed for. I could not understand how that could be (I've never heard of an IDE bus supporting only a limited size drive before, at least not on desktops).

I have since read that larger drives can go in, despite what the laptop manufacturer might say.

So my first question is this: Is there some limitation that is built into the EIDE interface on a laptop that does not exist on desktops? Or can I in fact stick a 120GB drive into my laptop?

2) My next port of call is the DVD/CDRW drive. I'd like to have one that writes to DVD. This one reads DVD but does not write. I have read that it is possible to put a new DVD writer into the existing drive casing/rails. Does any one have any experience with that?
So far I understand that the key is to ensure the new drive has the same master/slave configuration as my existing one, and so long as that is right I should be able to just pull my drive apart, pull a new drive apart, put the guts of the new drive into the case of the old drive, and voila. I imagine I'd also have to install some drivers, or maybe not?

3) Replacing the backlighting module. Does any one have any experience with this? Know of a good place to get this sort of part?
I notice my screen takes time to "warm up" which was not the case before. It also is not as bright as it used to be. I have to have it cranked up on full brightness to use it comfortably. I've read that the backlight module can often be replaced.

I look forward to hearing what tips and insights you guys and gals have.

With thanks,

Jonathan

08-11-2007, 08:05 PM	#1 (permalink)
inspired888 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2	Got tips on upgrading a laptop? Hi Folks, I've spent some hours hunting around the internet for detailed information and assistance with upgrading my laptop. I recently found out (via a PC WORLD article that it is far more upgradeable that I originally thought. So I am keen to make a few changes. I've not, however, been able to get answers to some basic questions. Perhaps your know some of these answers? 1) A few years ago when my HDD died I called Acer to find out how large (capacity) a drive I could put in. They said it was 40GB. Now that happens to be the largest off-the-shelf configuration this particular laptop was marketed with. Mine had a 30gb when I got it. There was nothing much bigger then 40 or 60gb in 2.5in HDDs when I first bought the laptop. However, much larger ones are now avaialble. I asked that technician why it could not take a larger one (like 80gb). He just said that 40 gb is the largest it is designed for. I could not understand how that could be (I've never heard of an IDE bus supporting only a limited size drive before, at least not on desktops). I have since read that larger drives can go in, despite what the laptop manufacturer might say. So my first question is this: Is there some limitation that is built into the EIDE interface on a laptop that does not exist on desktops? Or can I in fact stick a 120GB drive into my laptop? 2) My next port of call is the DVD/CDRW drive. I'd like to have one that writes to DVD. This one reads DVD but does not write. I have read that it is possible to put a new DVD writer into the existing drive casing/rails. Does any one have any experience with that? So far I understand that the key is to ensure the new drive has the same master/slave configuration as my existing one, and so long as that is right I should be able to just pull my drive apart, pull a new drive apart, put the guts of the new drive into the case of the old drive, and voila. I imagine I'd also have to install some drivers, or maybe not? 3) Replacing the backlighting module. Does any one have any experience with this? Know of a good place to get this sort of part? I notice my screen takes time to "warm up" which was not the case before. It also is not as bright as it used to be. I have to have it cranked up on full brightness to use it comfortably. I've read that the backlight module can often be replaced. I look forward to hearing what tips and insights you guys and gals have. With thanks, Jonathan