Which upgrades can I pursue with my T60?

[MD1032]

I have a 2007 C5U. This computer has been fantastic to say the least. I got it back in 2006 when I entered college and now that I'm graduating, I've decided that keeping this computer is in my best interests since I've been so pleased with its performance.

To save you from looking up the specs, here's the basics:

-Windows XP SP3
-2.0 Ghz. Dual-Core
-2.0 GB RAM (not necessary to upgrade)
-200 GB Hitachi 7200 rpm HDD
-ATI X1400 (128 MB)
-1400x1050 screen
-The Mini Dock, which I use to feed another monitor via DVI (yes, I run dual-screens)
-Stock DVD-RW (dual-layer) drive - too expensive to upgrade to Blu-Ray, not cost-effective
-Original battery, still has 79% of the original capacity (not affected by recall) - won't replace

Note that I upgraded the original 80GB/5400 rpm to a 200GB/7200. This was a huge upgrade at the time...the extra speed made a big difference. I also upgraded from the original 1 GB to 2 GB RAM. Less of an upgrade.

Let me throw this out there: I use this computer so much that the cooling fan is beginning to rattle on occasion, so this summer, regardless of what else I do, I'm diving into the bowels of my computer and replacing the HSF.

I'm thinking about the following upgrades (each level includes the level below it), and this is the best way I can think of presenting this information:

Level 1 - Replace HSF only.

Level 2a - Replace HDD with SSD.

Level 2b - Replace HDD with SSD and upgrade to Windows 7.

Level 3 - Replace CPU with Core 2 Duo.

Level 4a - Upgrade graphics card - Locate a new T61 motherboard

Level 4b - Upgrade screen - Main purpose would be to put in a screen with an LED backlight, thus making the screen much brighter...the CCFL's are starting to lose some brightness.

Level 5 - Keep chassis only - replace screen and motherboard.

Now, right around level 4, I'm estimating that the cost of upgrading the computer is already well beyond the cost of buying a brand new, say, T61p, however, part of the point of all this is that you can take a really old computer with some upgrades that still runs respectably and still further improve its performance. I'd appreciate any input!

[billp117]

Why not consider Windows 7...you might like your T60 a little better. You will never go back to XP.

[RealBlackStuff]

IMHO your planned upgrades are way over the top.
A T7200 CPU with new fan, SSD and W7 make sense, but not much else.
Trying to fit a T61 mobo in a T60 chassis is not an easy job (but has been done).
A LED-backlight 14.1" 4:3 SXGA+ screen in your T60 is quite probably a pipe dream.
The sum of your intended upgrades (don't forget the many hours, if not days of labor) would probably equal a new W510.

[MD1032]

Believe me, I'm aware...like I said, the point of doing all that would be just for fun...how far can you take upgrading a 4-year-old computer?

Realistically, you tell me, is putting a $150-200 SSD in an old computer (I can get "7" for $70 from my university) worth it or not? Eventually I'll build a desktop once the technology improves but in the meantime I'm planning on keeping this laptop for an indefinite amount of time.

About "7"...upgrading worries me. I use a lot of archaic programs (original Descent, anyone?) and compatibility mode on XP is already crappy enough. How can I guarantee that everything will still work on "7"?

[Harryc]

Borrow a copy of W7 just to try. You don't have to activate it for a few days. Use a new blank drive and/or clone your existing install off of the existing drive first. The bottom line is that you are the only one who can test for compatibility with what you have/use. If you are looking for a Core 2 Duo 2.0Ghz CPU for that machine send me a PM.

[MD1032]

My roommate had a copy of Windows 7 that he installed on his computer because he thought he would be able to try it out without a key and unfortunately it required a key while installing and he had to uninstall it and reinstall XP. Is there somewhere I have to go specifically to get an installer that will allow me to "try" 7?

I appreciate all of the advice very much, by the way.

[Harryc]

You would need a version with a valid key, but like I said you do not have to activate it. So, you'd have to borrow anyone's retail copy.

[GrandMasterKhan]

You T60 is not old, only a few years and still powerful. However, I think anything other than maintaining it ie replacing the fan that is going out and maybe adding RAM and an upgrading to W7 is all you should do. I wouldnt even bother with an SSD as you already have a fast HDD.