what all can i do to my laptop?

Question

i have a hp (compaq nx6110) laptop, and with christmas coming up i want to know what all i can do to it to make it better. like memory and whatever makes it go faster. i run a lot of programs at once, is there anything that can improve its speed when im doing that. i guess what im saying is is there really all that much you can do to improve a laptop, and if so what?

Answer 1

The best thing you can do is to upgrade the RAM.

You can install two 1024-MB SODIMM in slots 1 and 2, which will increase the response when running multiple programs!

Answer 2

With laptops there isn't a whole lot you can do to improve it's speed because the processor and graphics card, for all intents and pursposes, cannot be upgraded. However, if you get a faster hard drive (one that spins at more RPMs) it'll make some difference (4200 to 7200 there is a noticeable difference, 5400 to 7200 is less so). A faster hard drive will improve the speed at which your computer accesses its data. You can also put in more RAM, though it has to have a motherboard that can handle more RAM (which is usually the case). Some laptops come with 2 gigs of RAM with no room for expansion (as in 2 gigs max).

The best way two keep your computer fast is to make sure you're well protected from spyware and viruses. Don't clutter up your desktop with icons and don't have a ton of porgrams running in the background that are not being used. In many cases, cleaning up the software end will make a bigger performance difference than the hardware end (for laptops anyway).

I hope that helps.
Ptr

Answer 3

Yes. YOU SHOULD ABSOLUTELY INCREASE THE RAM. If you do a lot of multitasking, RAM will make switching from window to window effortlessly. You should get 2 GB (You're laptop can max out at 2GB).

From what I can see, the HP Compaq nx6110 uses:

DDR SDRAM - 333 MHz PC2700

correct me if I'm wrong. I found it from:
http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/hp-compaq-nx6110/4507-3121_7-31281875.html

If that's the right specs then here a good place to get your ram. Shipping is usually 1 to 3 days. Pretty fast.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2000260381+1052907864+1309221120+1309121113&name=1GB

Good luck.

PS: As for processor and GPU, laptops are so flexible so you're pretty much stuck. But the RAM is a definate.

Answer 4

It looks like that is a Win XP machine. Which means that all you can probably upgrade is your Memory and HardDrive (in respect to overall performance). The increased RAM memory would give you the biggest bang for the buck, especially, with prices coming way down on memory lately. Prob less that $50 for 2GB. Just make sure your PC can support 2GB, i think you have 512MB standard.

If you were running the new MS Vista Operating System, you could use the ReadyBoost feature to help supercharge your PC, for low cost. Which uses standard SD/Memory Stick/PC Card memory to create a cache, effectively removing some of the redundant tasks from the hard drive. Neat feature in Vista.

Answer 5

You can upgrade to a bigger hard drive and max out the ram. Thats about all you can do except maybe replace the video card. But that really isn't necessary.

Answer 6

max out the memory for starters. Then I would really recommend backing up all data and reloading windows from scratch. That'll clear out anything that is causing the machine to run slowly from a windows perspective.

Answer 7

do you have an express card slot? if you do, look into solid state drives (SSD) they can speed some systems up by like 45%. look on tigerdirect.com or newegg.com

Answer 8

My advise:- Buy a new and better laptop.

If you buy memory/hard disk, remember spare parts cost more as laptop manufacture try to increase their profits by selling it at higher price.