Your input

[Blues]

This is basicly the same thing I posted in the specs thread but since I got some questions I would like to make a thread on it

I am lookin at trashin my old desktop which I think I posted the specs of and upgrade my laptop

Current Laptop Specs
P4 Mobile 2.8 GHz
512 MB DDR
60GB 4200RPM HDD
15.4" WXGA w/ XBrite
DVD+/-RW(Forgotten speeds)
802.11g Built-in Wi-Fi
10/100 Ethernet Lan
64MB ATI Radeon IGP 345M

The upgrades I want to make
1. Change out both 256MB DDR chips for 2 x 512MB
2. Replace HDD with 120GB or higher 5400RPM
3. I have heard of changing the amount of RAM the video card uses if it uses shared RAM if so Id consider upping mine with the memory upgrade to 128MB so if you know about this let me in on the info

I want to basicly replace my desktop as it is old and dying I will later get a new desktop but Id like to upgrade the laptop to take over for a time the upgrades price out at around $300 which is low enough for me

I would also like to hear thoughts on Western Digital vs Seagate vs Hitachi

[Blues]

I have always had good luck with Western Digital

Only reason Im considering others is WD stops at 120GB the other two have a 160GB

[Fred_G]

As far as drives go, I love Seagate, hate Maxtor, but they merged. You are kinda asking a Chevy vs Ford question there. I have drives made from a bunch of companies, just RMA'd the laptops drive.

I go with the one with the best specs and warranty. A drive with a 1 year warranty, no thanks. I like the ones with a 3 year warranty.

E

[Blues]

I think Seagate has 3 or 5 years not sure on WD but I love WD drives but I want the 160GB which is what Seagate has. I am lookin at some Corsair 512MB DDR33 PC2700 but I can't find if it will be compatible or not. The RAM in the machine now is DDR333 PC2700 just you know how sometimes things don't work that should.

[Blues]

Newegg now has a 160GB WD drive same warrenty and specs as the rest so I will go with that. I am now down to the memory concern. I checked out Crucial and they offer the RAM for $67 or about that a stick for 512MB DDR333. I found on Newegg, Id like to get it all from one place, Kingston 512MB DDR333 and Corsair 512MB DDR333 both are less expensive then the Crucial by atleast $20. I don't see any reason for them not to work so let me know if you all have any reason to suggest I not get thier RAM.

[Fred_G]

If the RAM is the same speed and timings as the Crucial they should be ok. Just make sure you get the right kind!

E