Upgrading an Inspiron 8200

[John G.]

Hey guys,

I've had my trusty Dell Inspiron 8200 for a while now, but it's starting to show it's age. I love the thing to death and the case so perfectly matches everything else in my computer setup that I'm simply not going to part with it. Instead, I'm looking to upgrade the thing. Of course, laptop upgrades can be tricky, so I'm looking for your help.

The CPU
I currently have a P4-M 1.8GHz CPU installed in my machine, but I think we can do better. Does anyone know what the maximum speed of the P4-M series is supported by the Inspiron 8200 mobo?

The Video Card
Do I have any options here? I currently have the nVidia GeForce GO 64MB card installed.

The Internal Wireless
Sucks in terms of range. Anything I can do to boost this?

The Hard Drive
Would I run into any problems if I wanted to upgrade to a faster hard drive?

Thanks for any help guys!
John

[kent1146]

Fastest P4-M is 2.0Ghz. Video card is not upgradeable. Not much you can do to boost internal wireless range. Your laptop either came with a wireless antenna built in, or it didn't. Either way, no options to boost range. Hard drive is upgradeable, nice choice for speed would be a Hitachi 40GB / 60GB 7200rpm model. The risk is the standard risk of damaged equipment and / or lost data if a drive migration is not done properly. Upgrading memory is always an option as well.

Honestly, I would seriously seriously consider upgrading to a new system. You might spend a few hundred bucks to upgrade your laptop, but you still have the problems of:

You're still using a Pentium4-M. Something like a Pentium-M would get you twice the battery life, run faster, run cooler, and give you a lighter laptop.

Your laptop screen's backlight has been getting dimmer and dimmer over time. A new laptop will give you a chance to buy a bright, new screen.

Your laptop's battery capacity degrades over time. I bet you currently get no more than 45 minutes on a battery charge.

Your laptop's video card isn't getting any younger or faster. New laptop gives you a video card refresh.

[kent1146]

Oh, and you get to experience the new notebook out-of-box experience... the excitement when the FedEx guy arrives, cutting open the box and throwing away that annoying "Quick Start" card, removing that styrafoam bag that wraps your laptop, removing that clear plastic protector between laptop and screen, new laptop smell, booting it up for the first time, wiping it and installing XP, getting it in ready-state after reinstalling drives and apps, using it while you're on the can for the first time and *truly* enjoying the benefits of a wireless life...

*drool*

Almost makes a guy want to spend $2k.

[almer]

Do not mix up Pentium-M with Pentium 4 mobile.
I8200 is using P-4mobile. The highest speed is 2.6, which is quite expensive. I would suggest looking for 2.4 CPU. Just make sure you are getting right CPU. Pentium M CPUs are not for this laptop.
I have I8200 and upgraded CPU to 2.4Mhz and also installed 7200 rpm hard drive. It is very capable laptop. Can serve you well for few more upgrade terms.

[almer]

Another suggestion:
Use Intel 2200BG mini PCI wireless card. Works great. Very inexpensive too.
Inspiron 8200 is a working horse. I've been using it for almost three years. Got myself new I700m, but still find use for 8200 baby.
Very good and reliable machine.
Video card is upgradable, but there are not that many choices for upgrade.

[coolqf]

Originally posted by kent1146
Oh, and you get to experience the new notebook out-of-box experience... the excitement when the FedEx guy arrives, cutting open the box and throwing away that annoying "Quick Start" card, removing that styrafoam bag that wraps your laptop, removing that clear plastic protector between laptop and screen, new laptop smell, booting it up for the first time, wiping it and installing XP, getting it in ready-state after reinstalling drives and apps, using it while you're on the can for the first time and *truly* enjoying the benefits of a wireless life...

*drool*

Almost makes a guy want to spend $2k.

Wow, when was the last time you bought a lappy? Must have been recent!!! Making me wish my laptop arrives already!!!