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Upgrade your notebook to Vista
It's possible, however, that you'll hit problems at this stage. Some notebooks need a drive that's configured to run in cable select mode, while others need one that runs in master/slave mode and this, unfortunately, isn't something you can change by flicking a switch. Notebook drives are usually configured with a firmware flash. If you're lucky, the retailer will confirm if it will work with your machine; if not, you may just have to buy it and hope for the best. It's worth checking the plastic fascia will fit at this stage too.
If none of this works, don't despair - you can always use FireWire and USB ports to connect an external device. Which brings us to our next topic.
It isn't only the core components of your notebook that may need a boost. Many notebooks come equipped with too few USB ports to be useful, while older machines may lack a FireWire port. If you're being truly adventurous and upgrading a notebook that's so old it uses the original, slower USB ports, you'll almost certainly want to upgrade to USB 2, so you can transfer those high-resolution photos and video files without having to wait minutes on end. Considering Vista now includes a much-improved movie-making program, these are upgrades well worth making.
Adding faster connections such as FireWire to a machine requires the use of PC Card slots. (If you bought the
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You may also want to add Wi-Fi or 3G wireless. The PC Card slot is again the easiest way, although some machines may have room inside the chassis for an internal adapter. It's worth searching the web for your particular model or checking under the various panels in the base of the notebook to see if you can track down a likely connector. If you don't mind having yet another device sprouting out of the back of your machine, there are plenty of USB Wi-Fi and HSDPA adapters to be had as well.
A word of warning, though, before you proceed. Adding any kind of PC Card or USB accessory that doesn't have its own source of power will further drain your battery and restrict the amount of time you can work on the move.
The first port of call should be your notebook manufacturer's website. This should explain what accessories have been specifically designed for your machine. Many notebooks - especially those produced by the bigger, business-focused manufacturers - come equipped with special, high-bandwidth docking ports that allow you to attach port replicators and docking stations with all sorts of extra connections. These range from £30 to around £200, depending on your manufacturer.
If not, you can usually expand your range of ports using an existing USB port and a generic port replicator. PC Pro's current value pick is the Sweex External USB 2 Docking Station, which costs £34 exc VAT from http://svp.co.uk.
Only a few years ago, we'd have advised against attempting to upgrade the CPU in a notebook. Processors were almost always difficult to access, requiring much disassembly and potentially specialist tools. They were difficult to buy too.
