2. What's Upgradeable, What's Not?

Notebook computers' construction and components tend to be highly proprietary. . Their compact dimensions challenge manufacturers to find creative solutions to fit all the fanciful features we want inside the smallest possible notebook enclosure. In turn, this explains why so many notebook components are both costly and difficult to replace (or upgrade). Usually the parts are specific to particular notebook makes and models or are permanently attached to their motherboards.

Thus, unlike desktop computers with their generic all-purpose internal components with standard dimensions, notebook computers generally incorporate specialty component designs that lock each into its respective notebook make and model. Except for hard disks and memory modules (which are about as standard as notebook components get), most notebook components are very particular and peculiar to some specific hardware configuration. Among other things, this can limit your options severely when it comes to replacing notebook components (and may exclude the possibility of upgrade altogether).

This explains why some upgrades can be almost impossible. Try finding a suitable motherboard replacement for your prized possession. Actually, don't bother. If you do find something suitable, it will be expensive and you'll have to send it to the manufacturer or, at second best, a capable technical service department, where either option involves considerable turn-around time. In other words, you're better off investing your time and money in other less critical yet truly beneficial upgrades.

Fixing faulty power circuitry is also a highly technical matter that should be performed only by a skilled service technician. This means that if you walk off with your notebook still plugged into the wall and damage the power input jack in the process, you'll want to send the unit in for repairs.

Video cards are another difficult proposition, because most are soldered right onto the notebook's motherboard. Non-standard form factors and tight integration make it downright difficult, if not impossible, to perform an upgrade. Thus, when your video requirements far exceed the capability of your current notebook, it's definitely time to invest in a more capable notebook.

Keyboards and mice pose similar issues, but aren't as critical simply because so many notebooks provide some means of attaching an external mouse and keyboard. This may not seem like much of an upgrade, but it can improve your user experience, although it does require you to schlep more stuff around with the notebook itself. That said, one of our authors invariably carries an external mouse with him, because he has never really found a touchpad he's ready to use as a full-time mouse replacement.