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Question about laptops

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  • Laptops
  • Mobile Computing
Last response: in Mobile Computing
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April 15, 2013 1:59:35 PM

Are laptops actually upgradable, or is upgrading one a difficult task? I'd really like to purchase an old Panasonic Toughbook, but most have Pentium Ms; the most I'd do is add more RAM, a larger HDD, and a slightly more powerful CPU such as a Core 2 Duo if that's a possibility. Does anyone have info on this subject?

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a c 306 D Laptop
April 15, 2013 2:10:48 PM

Generally speaking, only RAM and HDD are changeable on a laptop.
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a c 467 D Laptop
April 15, 2013 2:16:38 PM

RAM and HDD are no problem. Going from a Pentium to a Core 2 Duo might be a problem. The Pentium M is socket PGA479 while C2D is socket H-PGA479. They are probably compatible, but not 100% sure. A more serious issue is if the BIOS can recognize the C2D. You need to go to Panasonic's site and look for any BIOS updates specifically for your model and the list of compatible CPUs.

The Pentium M was great I had the 1st gen 1.5GHz version in my IBM ThinkPad T40.
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April 15, 2013 4:43:39 PM

jaguarskx said:
RAM and HDD are no problem. Going from a Pentium to a Core 2 Duo might be a problem. The Pentium M is socket PGA479 while C2D is socket H-PGA479. They are probably compatible, but not 100% sure. A more serious issue is if the BIOS can recognize the C2D. You need to go to Panasonic's site and look for any BIOS updates specifically for your model and the list of compatible CPUs.

The Pentium M was great I had the 1st gen 1.5GHz version in my IBM ThinkPad T40.

Is the Pentium M capable of general computing tasks though? I've had no experience with it and fear it will be like Intel Atom and barely be able to open anything.
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a c 467 D Laptop
April 15, 2013 6:06:18 PM

It was great when it was released 11 years ago (When I got my ThinkPad T40). Nowadays an Atom is surely more powerful. You are really better off simply buying a new laptop which are relatively inexpensive now because new generation laptops are coming out soon.

Why a ToughBook? Are you going to be in the field and need a laptop for harsh environments? You might want to consider a ThinkPad T series because they are considered to be "semi-rugged". They can be roughly handled, but I don't recommend dropping one on a pile of rocks or submerge it under water like what some Toughbooks are capable of.
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April 15, 2013 6:15:01 PM

jaguarskx said:
It was great when it was released 11 years ago (When I got my ThinkPad T40). Nowadays an Atom is surely more powerful. You are really better off simply buying a new laptop which are relatively inexpensive now because new generation laptops are coming out soon.

Why a ToughBook? Are you going to be in the field and need a laptop for harsh environments? You might want to consider a ThinkPad T series because they are considered to be "semi-rugged". They can be roughly handled, but I don't recommend dropping one on a pile of rocks or submerge it under water like what some Toughbooks are capable of.

A Toughbook just for novelty. I just find them cool. I guess going for a newer laptop is a better choice like you said.
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