Matooch
02-16-2009, 10:28 PM
Hello, all. I've been shopping around for my perfect laptop for quite some time. Problem is, I can never find the exact specs that suit me. So I decided I am going to buy a used or broken one off of eBay. This will not be a problem since I have upgraded/repaired all types of computers and am an Electrical Engineering student. My problem is that I don't know of a model which has a high 'upgrade margin.' For example, something that started with 512MB and can hold 2-4GB, has a single-core processor that can hold a dual-core.
Here are the MUSTS:
upgradeable to 2GHz CPU minimum.
10.2-13.3" screen.
less than 4 lbs (base configuration)
Standard memory banks, expresscard/HDD slots, etc(nothing bizarre/proprietary unless abundant 3rd party parts are available)
PC (as opposed to MAC)
I just don't want to pay retail (or even semi-retail) when I know I am just paying for the brand and marked-up RAM, especially feeling so confident about repairs/upgrades.
I am looking to pay around $200 for a broken or lowest-option model and another $100 for 7200rpm HDD/SSD and 2-4GB ram (from Slickdeals). HDD space is not an issue. I could live with 16GB. If my desktop monitor goes out, this will replace it. So eSATA or Firewire for an external HDD in the future would be nice.
Any models in mind? Don't care much about brand, as I am going to strip it (as long as the casing is not an eye-sore and the keyboard is comfortable). Moderate cosmetic defects are not important, either.
Here are the MUSTS:
upgradeable to 2GHz CPU minimum.
10.2-13.3" screen.
less than 4 lbs (base configuration)
Standard memory banks, expresscard/HDD slots, etc(nothing bizarre/proprietary unless abundant 3rd party parts are available)
PC (as opposed to MAC)
I just don't want to pay retail (or even semi-retail) when I know I am just paying for the brand and marked-up RAM, especially feeling so confident about repairs/upgrades.
I am looking to pay around $200 for a broken or lowest-option model and another $100 for 7200rpm HDD/SSD and 2-4GB ram (from Slickdeals). HDD space is not an issue. I could live with 16GB. If my desktop monitor goes out, this will replace it. So eSATA or Firewire for an external HDD in the future would be nice.
Any models in mind? Don't care much about brand, as I am going to strip it (as long as the casing is not an eye-sore and the keyboard is comfortable). Moderate cosmetic defects are not important, either.