Upgrade memory or buy "new" laptop?

[Xyem]

I have a Fujitsu Lifebook E-Series 6624 laptop which was passed onto me by my Dad ( he brought it but didn't use it and my other laptop had broke ).

It has loads of bits missing from it ( no CD drive and such ) but I can easily get a Ubuntu install on it ( thanks to netboot :) ).

It only comes with 128MB of RAM which means it can be a bit slow, but I could buy 2 * 256MB modules and upgrade to 512MB. I don't plan on playing any major games on it, possibly just things like Rune and developing my own game ( which shouldn't be too hard on graphics ). Other than that, just the usual playing music, browsing the web etc. Here is where I have come for advice..

Is it worth it for the cost ( which is just over £50 in total )? Or should I just buy a new(er) laptop?

Here are the specifications of the machine: http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/rl/servicesupport/techsupport/lifebook/ESeries/E66xx.html

[vor]

I would just upgrade the RAM if you can find 2*256M modules that will fit in it. With 512M, the machine isn't going to be super fast but, it will certainly be usable.

[Xyem]

I found the modules here: http://www.offtek.co.uk/product.php?manuname=Fujitsu-Siemens&maincat=1&subcat=1&model=LifeBook+E+Series+E-6624.

I imagine they are definitely the right ones because I found them by laptop model. The site seems to have had a few good reviews too. I've registered but am delaying purchase until I got some feedback about the choice.

Thanks for your opinion :)

[vor]

If you found them based on your model you should be fine. Many people still run Ubuntu with 512M and, though 1G is preferable, 512M is just fine for day to day operations.

[Xyem]

Well hopefully the way I am using it ( minimal install + xorg + fluxbox ) should make 512MB quite comfortable :)

I just started compiling the OpenGL module for Perl. Hit swap almost instantly and now it is really slow :( Possibly running a fully encrypted drive wasn't a good idea either :P

Just about to order the memory, hopefully make future building a little easier on the poor thing :)

[stchman]

I have a Fujitsu Lifebook E-Series 6624 laptop which was passed onto me by my Dad ( he brought it but didn't use it and my other laptop had broke ).

It has loads of bits missing from it ( no CD drive and such ) but I can easily get a Ubuntu install on it ( thanks to netboot :) ).

It only comes with 128MB of RAM which means it can be a bit slow, but I could buy 2 * 256MB modules and upgrade to 512MB. I don't plan on playing any major games on it, possibly just things like Rune and developing my own game ( which shouldn't be too hard on graphics ). Other than that, just the usual playing music, browsing the web etc. Here is where I have come for advice..

Is it worth it for the cost ( which is just over £50 in total )? Or should I just buy a new(er) laptop?

Here are the specifications of the machine: http://www.fujitsu-siemens.co.uk/rl/servicesupport/techsupport/lifebook/ESeries/E66xx.html

Does the expansion slot have a floppy instead of a CD or DVD drive.

I would invest very minimal in this laptop as new laptops with good hardware can be had here in the US for about $500 USD. I do not know what laptops are going for over in the UK.

[Xyem]

Yes, it has a floppy drive ( which I actually use :) ) in the modular bay.

I've decided that I'm going to buy the memory, try the laptop out for a bit ( will be going on a trip to the [future]parents-in-laws which will provide ample time to test ) and if it still doesn't quite do what I want ( playing Sacred would be nice.. ), I'll buy a new laptop and let my girlfriend use this one so she can be in Linux and Windows at the same time ( she plays The Sims 2 a lot ).

Then the investment won't be wasted and I might not need to buy a new laptop either. Everyone's a winner.

Cheers

[Mark Phelps]

Would definitely vote for the memory upgrade. I have an "old" Compaq laptop running Hardy on 512MB and it works fine. As to the cost difference, $500 is about 250 pounds, right? If so, that's five times the cost of the memory to get a new box.

Plus, if you were to get a new box, I would advise looking into preinstalled Linux laptops. That way, you get a box that already works without the hassle of hunting down Linux drivers.

[Xyem]

The memory arrived today and I have to say, there is a huge improvement!

Compiling the OpenGL module on 128MB of RAM took in excess of 30 minutes ( the CPU was waiting on IO nearly constantly because it was hitting swap in an instant ). Now, with 512MB of RAM, it finishes up within 5 minutes.

Thanks for your advice everyone :)

[Xyem]

My laptop no longer works as a portable device ( the keyboard is broken and Fujitsu have no spares ). Short of finding a "Spares & Repairs" E-6624 with a working keyboard, I will now have to buy a laptop.

I've been to Linux Emporium but they don't seem to have any "normal" laptops sub-£500. Any recommendations on where to look for one with full Linux compatibility ( or even a specific make/model )? I'll tolerate having to reject the Windows license and get a refund if required :P

[Xyem]

I'm now the owner of an Acer Aspire 5930 which is a good machine, especially as the majority of the components work under Linux ( tested with Ubuntu 8.10 ).

You can follow my Vista rebate story here (http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=971710) if you are interested.

In other news, a work colleague is interested in buying the laptop and using it as a stationary machine with an external keyboard so the hardware won't be going to waste! :D