Got tips on upgrading a laptop?

[inspired888]

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

[inspired888]

I think I've managed to solve most of this in the last 24 hours.
For any one else who ends up here looking for this info, here's what I've found out.

The DVD/CDRW can be very easily upgraded to the latest DVD burner with DVD ram etc. Just a matter of getting one that uses the right master/slave configuration. The drives from Pioneer do the trick.

The hard drive can be as large as one likes, so long as it is the same interface type (ATA / IDE / Ultra / 100 -- whichever naming is used). For instance you can put in a 160GB 2.5in drive with no probs (that's what I'm told by a supplier who I have no reason to doubt).

With regards to the back-light... this is called the "inverter". I've not confirmed 100% if the inverter on an Acer TM633 is replaceable but the indications I've had is that they are.

Regards,

Jonathan