So I got handed a Compaq Presario V2000 notebook from 2005 and wanted to squeeze more life and usability out of it.
Here is what I started out with... compared to what I ended up with...
| Original Specifications | New, BAD-ASS SPECIFICATIONS |
|---|---|
| 1.5 GHz Intel Centrino Mobile (aka "Pentium M") | -no change |
| 60 GB HDD @ 4200 RPM | -no change |
| 32 MB Intel 852GM/855GM (integrated video) | -no change |
| 512 MB RAM (yes, that's MB) (1) PC2700 | 2 GB RAM (maximum) (1) PC2700 |
| Windows XP Professional (Service Pack 3) | Linux Mint 13 XFCE (2) |
| Stock Battery 10.8V / 4400mAh (2-3.5 hour battery life) @ 12 oz. (0.34kg) | Upgraded Battery 10.8V / 8800mAh (6-7 hour battery life) @ 27.2 oz. (0.77kg) |
1 = Subtract 32 MB from the total because the integrated video chipset actually uses the system RAM (which totally sucks, of course)
2 = I installed LXDE on top of XFCE, but I only use it when I really need extra horsepower and less of a hardware footprint... XFCE has better support for transparent effects and other eye-candy.
I now have an ultra-responsive notebook to fall back on, and with the power efficiency to save me some serious dough on my electric bill! And I didn't have to shell out >$2000 for a new computer!
