Questions on how to upgrade laptop specs

So I came across a Toshiba Satellite A105-S2071. Comes with a Intel Celeron M processor 1.70 GHz. Next line of specs say: 1.69 GHz, 448 MB of RAM.

I dont know computers. I am looking to upgrade this one to run programs such as Solid Edge, CAD/CAM, Surfcam and things of that nature.

I googled and just lost on where to start, where to look, what type of things I should look into upgrading IE processor, obviously the RAM...what else? Video card and such?

Any tips/help in the right direction would be awesome!

SHoot me a PM if you would like to as well with info!

TIA

 

Or suggest a laptop thats relatively inexpensive that I can use to run these programs


FOund this on Amazon:

320 GB 5400 RPM 8MB Cache Hard Disk Drive/HDD for Toshiba Satellite A105-S2061 A105-S2071 A105-S2101 A105-S2716 A105-S4011 A105-S4164 A105-S4397 A205-S5855 A305-S6857 L305D-S5893 L45-S4687 L455-S5975 L455D-S5976 M505-S4940 P105-S6177

http://www.amazon.com/A105-S2061-A1...U4E6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1313974454&sr=8-2

320 GB 5400 RPM 8MB Hard-drive

 

laptop spec is a bit shine to run cad program, it will run, but slow.

 

im downloading it as we speak. what I am worried about is trying to run Surfcam, not so much the CAD program but surfcam takes a lot of work to work

 

i have had the damn apps downoading since i originally posted my question

50 and 54% still to go on the download

 

That Toshiba is way underpowered for pretty much everything. The processor is outdated and the amount of RAM will barely get the computer going.

 

so how can i upgrade it if its possible?

I have been looking into upgrades but since I know nothing about computers, trying to figure out what works is not working out lol

 

Totally not worth dumping more money into it.

 

I agree... Not worth the time and effort.

 

Also, agree....you'll spend more to upgrade than just buying another whole unit and still be sucking air trying to run shit. Upgrades do not address limitations of the mainboard such as cpu, bus speed, memory speed, hd type(sata vs. ide)

 

What would be my best and cheapest option as far as a new computer goes?

 

If all you need it for is running those apps then just run into Best Buy and get the $400-$500 Dell's they always have. 4GB of RAM and a Core i3/i5 would be just fine for you. Most of them come with 500GB for a HD which is a ridiculous amount of storage for most people and if it's not enough, just grab a cheap $80 1TB external Western Digital Essential HD and call it a day.

If you don't have to have a laptop, your cheapest and best bet would be to build your own desktop and spec it out exactly as you want. This may not be an option for you to do all by yourself but it's extremely easy after a little trial and error or with a friend that knows something about them.

In regards to your initial question, I agree with the others in saying that Toshiba is not worth your time and money to upgrade it.

Fink

 

I do need a laptop. I read some reviews on the laptop mentioned and dell says it will run the run the programs but when I called HP they directed me to the envy a 850 dollar laptop. I personally hate dell, bad experiences. The review on those dell say that they have a hard tome just uaing the internet and having a few open windows. I'm going to be multitasking on it.

Any reviews from members on here for those laptops?

 

I had a Dell Inspiron 1545 that I got from Best Buy for $499 with 4GB of RAM and a Core 2 Duo and it was just fine.

I'm an I.T. Manager for a living and run close to 15-20 applications a day on top of at least 10 Remote Desktop sessions and I had no problems with it.

In the end, they all use the same hardware, the name branded on the outside doesn't matter as much as the internals do.

It sounds like you want something a little nicer so you may just have to wait and save up the cash to get a better machine.

The ideal laptop on the cheaper end is the Lenovo Edge but you're going to pay for the Lenovo name - which in my opinion is worth it. Ironically, I am posting this using my Lenovo T61 (about 3.5 years old) with 4GB of RAM, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor (2.2GHz, I believe) and Windows 7 Ultimate while running three displays and it is doing just fine. Lenovo/IBM is the best PC manufacturer out there from where I sit.

Fink

 

Like Fink said, you can get a good laptop for around that 500 mark. Laptops are difficult and not worth to upgrade for most users. You could always add/ change RAM to get slightly better performance while multi tasking.

 

Thanks Chris! I'll stop by best buy to take a look!

Anyone else?

 

Before you go into the store, I would check out Lenovo's website and see what you can do with pricing.

It is always best to start with a higher spec'd model and start removing components than starting with a lesser spec'd model and adding components.

Here is a link to the Lenovo Essential "G" series - I would look into the G470. Good little computer and right now, they have an eCoupon making it extremely affordable ($499 base-spec + shipping).

http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/...-category-id=E5BCB035604D4177B206A55DD593B265

Good luck!

Fink

 

What's the difference between the i3 or the dual core?

 

For a simple explanation, I'm pretty sure the i3 is faster, more efficient, etc.

 

^^^^ What Fink Said.
I also am an IT manager, and we are both an IBM partner and Dell Partner. I would take an Lenovo over a Dell, if it is the business class systems. On the Dell home side (the Vostro), I would shy sway from, but do recommend thier laptops to my clients.

Either way, pay the extra for the three year warranty. It will pay for itself if the screen ever goes out.