Seeking advice.

[Glycine]

I just have a few questions, nothing major.

One: I currently am running a laptop that figures to be 5 and a half years old. It's an IBM T43 Thinkpad and what it lacks in style points is made up for the fact I haven't had to spend money on a new computer for a long time.

That said, there are two and a half things holding me back with it.

1/2) It still runs XP. Not a huge problem, compared to Vista, but 7 does run faster and better. Any new computer I would buy would probably run Windows 7, for the sake of ease of use. In fact, my graphics card won't even support the interface for 7, which leads me to...

1) My graphics card is this: Mobile Intel(R) 915GM/GMS,910GML Express Chipset Family. Needless to say, I cannot run very many games made recently or run them well, and that problem will only get worse. What, if anything can I do about it?

2) My CPU is rather outdated. It's a Pentium M, if that explains anything. And that brings me to my last question. Is it worth it to upgrade this hardy computer with a new CPU and Graphics card, or is it too much trouble/money/etc to even bother with it?

In my life, I'm not a heavy gamer, but I do like to see the games I play shine. I use it for school as well, so I expect it to run quickly and without trouble.
If you need other details or specs, I'll be happy to give you them.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Ironside]

I don't know... replacing components in a laptop isn't as easy as in a PC.

I'd rather suggest you to buy a new laptop overall, it will make things easier + you can still get it with Windows XP installed.

 

[Kercyn]

I have to agree with Barathrum. Seperately replacing components in a laptop is more expensive and troublesome than buying a new one (it might also void your laptop's guarantee -if it's still valid, that is). Since, however, you aren't a heavy gamer, I would suggest that you install a Linux distribution instead of Windows (provided that you are not a complete beginner in computers and you are eager to spend some time learning a few basic things). Generally, Linux distributions are more secure and more reliable over time than Windows.

 

[Ironside]

That fully depends on what he wishes to do on his computer, I suggest him to look at the differences among Linux & Windows.

 

[Kercyn]

That fully depends on what he wishes to do on his computer, I suggest him to look at the differences among Linux & Windows.

Of course; I didn't tell him use Linux! I just think that Linux is better in most things, and games isn't one of them. He said that he doesn't play many games, so I guess Wine will be able to help him run those few games he plays.

EDIT: You will also save a few euros (or dollars, or whichever the currency is where you live), as all Linux distributions are free.

 

[Glycine]

Personally, I wouldn't mind experimenting with Linux, but I worry about compatibility issues, which may be a completely unfounded worry. xD What would be a few of the prime differences between the two, if there isn't a link that can tell me all that information?

 

[Ironside]

Of course; I didn't tell him use Linux! I just think that Linux is better in most things, and games isn't one of them. He said that he doesn't play many games, so I guess Wine will be able to help him run those few games he plays.

EDIT: You will also save a few euros (or dollars, or whichever the currency is where you live), as all Linux distributions are free.

There are always those free ways...
I for one, and many would agree, don't use Linux if you will end up just using Wine all the time.

Personally, I wouldn't mind experimenting with Linux, but I worry about compatibility issues, which may be a completely unfounded worry. xD What would be a few of the prime differences between the two, if there isn't a link that can tell me all that information?

Having seen by what you said, you are better of with Windows for now; why you ask?

The campability you are talking about is, no windows programs will work on Linux, there are replacements for most programs though.

 

[Glycine]

I was just curious about the functional differences between the two, but I guess that explanation works. I knew about emulation, but I wouldn't want to have to emulate every program I use.

So I suppose, based on the advice you two gave me, that my course of action will be to use this laptop as long as it'll go and eventually buy a laptop that can fulfill the same role as it (dual work/play), when I have the resources to do so. Thanks!

 

[BlargHonk]

upgrade this hardy computer with a new CPU and Graphics card, or is it too much trouble/money/etc to even bother with it?

I don't know... replacing components in a laptop isn't as easy as in a PC.

A. It's not just harder, it's frankly impossible on most laptops, the CPU's are literally soldered in usually.

B. Even if it was possible you could only get a faster Pentium M or an AGP card, which would be entirely not worth it

Since, however, you aren't a heavy gamer, I would suggest that you install a Linux distribution instead of Windows (provided that you are not a complete beginner in computers and you are eager to spend some time learning a few basic things). Generally, Linux distributions are more secure and more reliable over time than Windows.

C. Frankly, installing Linux won't give that much of a performance boost with that old of a computer



Now thats out of the way, if you want a small speedboost for now, run CCleaner, it will get rid of registry gunk and temp folders. Note, this will also clear out your internet history by default, so uncheck any options of things you don't want deleted.

Then do a defrag, either with Windows Defrag, or Defraggler

On a hard drive occasionally files will drift around, and be split into multiple places on the drive, this decreases it's read peformance, defragging regroups files on the drive :T


If you still want a new laptop after that, I can come up with some good ones if given a price.