Upgrading or replacing hardware units
> Next, I don't know if it is really possible with laptops, but one that
> is friendly where hardware replacements are concerned.
I think most vendors recommend their specific stuff, or maintain
a certification list like Lenovo. It's just not the same as with PCs.
There are parts which are rather easy to exchange (like RAM) and
others which often are not (like batteries or drives) though it's not
impossible if you do some research to find out the excact specs.
OTOH Lenovo does BIOS whitelist checking (but of course even that
can be hacked). You'd loose any waranty then, if you throw in 3rd party
units, that's worth a thought if you plan to buy a new machine.
> drive or DVD drive goes bad, that it is relatively simple/cheap to
> replace them.
Drives and batteries usually are inserted into bays as compact modules,
so mechanically the replacing is very easy. The problem is even if a piece
has the right connectors and would fit into the slot it needs to have the
exact specs, internally, like voltage or controller BIOS. Since this is a
real FAQ I'd be happy if someone with more experience in this filed could
drop a few words here !
> In fact, I'd like to find a laptop that is a bit bigger
> and heavier and bulkier and whatever in order to get a little bit more
> friendliness with hardware and heat problems and whatnot.
You may also consider a barebone then, with Mini-ITX boards.
They are under rapid developement for multimedia stations.
Many of these beat Laptops in the same price segment.
They need external monitor, that's the only reason why they aren't
as portable, IMHO.
> Last: are there any laptops with 2 hard drives?
For many models you can get a second drive which gets inserted
in the CD/DVD bay. Another option is to connect an external USB drive,
which is much cheaper (or has more GB per $) and has some advantage,
in my eyes, for example you can use it with your next Laptop, too, or connect
it to any PC around. Think of it as a huge USB stick :)
It's a very common thing nowadays, and well supported by Linux.
m°
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