Thinkpads Forum

What would be the best option for adding a DVD burner?

And are there any other upgrades that jump out as something you guys would recommend?

T2500(2GHz)
1GB RAM
80GB 5400rpm HD
1400x1050 LCD
128MB ATI Radeon X1400
Intel 802.11abg
1Gb Ethernet
UltraNav
6c Li-Ion battery

The obvious upgrade that jumps out at me is that you should upgrade your memory. It looks like you have a T60 and you're probably running XP, so you should add another 1 or 2GB of RAM. It will set you back something like $25 for 1GBor $45 for 2GB. Other stores have them as cheap as 1GB for $16 - keep an eye on BensBargains.net for the lastest deals. If you currently have 2 512MB sticks, consider replacing both of them.

Upgrading your hard drive to a 7200RPM Hitachi is probably the next best bang-for-the-buck. It's amazing how much more responsive Thinkpads "feel" with a 7200rpm drive vs a 5400rpm. Make sure you get a SATA drive, like this one for $100. The 200GB goes for about twice as much.

After that, the CPU could be upgraded the the real-world benefit may not be worth the trouble.

You can buy T60 DVD burner off EBay for around $100, or from Lenovo (don't know the price). I very rarely ever burn DVD's, although my last few Thinkpads have had DVD burners.

for a burner, try to find a good deal on FRU# 39T2829, 39T2851, or 39T2855.   those are the replacement numbers for the newest 9.5mm ultrabay super multi-burner.   you should be able to find one of them for $100~125.

depending on what you do, more memory and a 7200 RPM hard drive would be easy and relatively inexpensive upgrades.

edit: ron beat me to a response while i was typing.

I can upgrade up to 2X2GB of RAM?

Yes, you can. On the T60, you will never see more than 3GB of the memory. However, having 4GB of memory will enable symmetric dual-channel memory, which will give you an ever-so-slight speed boost.

is this pretty typical as far as batteries go?

Billmanweh wrote:is this pretty typical as far as batteries go?

Assuming that you're talking about your 6 cell, that's an interesting question. Knowing that it is usually the default config choice at Lenovo.com when you order a new machine, I'd assume most people choose it, therefore it is 'pretty typical'. I prefer the extended cell/life batteries.

Harryc wrote: Assuming that you're talking about your 6 cell, that's an interesting question. Knowing that it is usually the default config choice at Lenovo.com when you order a new machine, I'd assume most people choose it, therefore it is 'pretty typical'. I prefer the extended cell/life batteries.

I was just wondering, because it doesn't seem like I really get a great amount of time on this battery. What might be a better choice?

Lenovo claims that the 9 cell battery will provide up to 33% more battery time on a T60.
9 Cell Battery at Lenovo