A few laptop questions...?

Question

I asked already about core 2 duos and amd 64 x2's and was informed that if i get a 64 bit processor i would need to make sure my programs are 64 bit compatable, is this right? I dont really understand this as I believe vista and xp are 32 bit, so would i have to get a different OS than the one offered with my potentially new laptop?

Also, I am wondering if it is possible to add ram to the laptop myself and if so how would i be able to go about doing this?

I was also told that video cards that come in the laptop cant be changed, is this true? If so, what kind of cards should i be looking at getting? The best cards ive seen in laptops im looking at so far all say 256mb and are nvidia or geforce, would those suffice?

Also, would it be feasible to look for a barebones laptop and attempt to do this myself to make sure im getting what i want? Or would looking to add a core 2 quad with a solid video card and 4gb ram overheat the laptop? Or would i be too likely to break it? Thanks

Answer 1

The guy that told you that has no idea what he's talking about. It's really annoying how every twelve year old on this site feels free to answer questions in subject areas that they have no clue in. The X2's are both 32/64-bit capable. You can use all your 32-bit programs. I'm writing this post using one. If you were using a 64-bit operating system, then you'd need all 64-bit drivers, but that's not your case.

It's easy to add RAM to a laptop, refer to your laptops documentation.

Some video cards can be changed in some laptops. It depends on the laptop model and how it was originally configured. Most models geared towards gaming can have their cards changed. Also, some models, like the Dell E1505 can have their cards changed...if they were originally configured with graphics cards when they were first bought. If, however, it was bought with built in graphics, there won't be a slot on the motherboard for a graphics card. So, the answer is..."it depends".

I wouldn't bother getting a barebones and trying to upgrade it. Most cheap barebones laptops have very limited upgrade options anyway, plus overheating could be an issue.

Answer 2

The only time you would need to be concerned with whether your applications are 64 bit is if you get vista 64bit. I have a laptop with 32 bit Vista and I still use 32 bit applications, despite the fact that I have amd 64 x 2. Sorry that I am unable to answer your other questions.

Answer 3

Current processors except Core Duo (Yonah) are 64bit/32bit capable. 64bit OS is good for servers. For personal computing, 32bit is best because there are lots of 32bit drivers. Try 64bit OS and your device drivers nightmares begin.

Adding RAM to a laptop is easy but you only have one expansion slot. It is good to have a big one (1Gb) on the first slot right from the start. Otherwise you may have to replace the first one during an upgrade.
http://www.technibble.com/how-to-install-laptop-ram/

Can't upgrade video card in a laptop. If you have gaming in mind, choose the GPU first then CPU second. If you are looking at Vista, get a laptop w/ DX10 card such as Nvidia Geforce 8600M/8700M. Otherwise, you could settle for the Geforce Go 7xxx series.

If you really want a powerful/enjoyable gaming machine, get a desktop w/ at least an 8800GTS and a 20" LCD. Something like this perhaps:
http://arstechnica.com/guides/buyer/guide-200706.ars/3

Answer 4

Idk about most of the questions but if you want to add more memory/ RAM then if you get a flash card you can connect it into your USB port and then it will give you the option to store certain stuff onto the flash drive under my computer. They come in different storgar sizes....here is a link to buy a flash drive http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&search_query=flash+drive&ic=24_0

hope this helped
have a great afternoon : )