I have a Medion MIM2120 Notebook.

Although it's a basic Notebook it does what I want but I was thinking of changing the hard drive for something larger either 80GB or 120Gb and upgrading the RAM to 2GB by fitting 2x1GB sticks, which is the maximum that can be fitted according to the Crucial site.

To avoid any port or size conflict I am thinking of using another WD Scorpio. I am also aware that the new drive has to be to 5400RPM to avoid over heating.

Belarc Advisor reports:

Drives

WDC WD400UE-22HCT0 [Hard drive] (40.01 GB) -- drive 0,
s/n WD-WXE905047004, rev 09.07D09, SMART Status: Healthy

Bus Clock: 133 megahertz

BIOS: Insyde Software Corporation M1.00 09/09/2005


I have built my own and friends systems in the past as well as changing hardware but this has all been on desktop PCs, I have never touched a Notebook.

Can anyone advise me as to whether this is a DIY type of job and if so how I go about it. Looking at the underneath of the Noteboox there apear to be two removable covers, one small and one large, but I have no idea of the motherboard or internal layout and don't want to take them off without knowing what I'm going to find underneath.

I'm also wondering if the BIOS will actually support either an 80GB or 120GB drive.

I want to clone the old drive with XXCLONE using a S-ATA & IDE USB2.0 connector I have.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks

It should be an easy DIY job, I've done it many times. Open the small panel and see what is under it. It may be the RAM, HD or possibly the wireless modem. Those are all generally put in accessible locations.

If you don't find the RAM/HD under the small panel, do the same with the large one. RAM access is almost always from the bottom, although sometimes the keyboards on laptops swing up after snapping two small clips on either side of the keyboard, and you will find it there. HD access can also be found on the side panels of the laptop (the drive just slips out) for some models.

Now, laptop hard drives are standardized at 9mm height, although a few are at 12mm. So, any manufacturer's 2.5" hard drive will fit as long as it is one of the 9mm types.

As to rotational speeds, a 7200 rpm drive runs no hotter than a 5400 one usually. So, you don't need to limit your choices, although the 7200 rpm ones are more expensive and generally do not have as large a capacity as the 5400 rpm ones.

You shouldn't have any BIOS problems with either an 80 or 120 GB model, unless this laptop is more than 5 or so years old (I am not familiar with that brand). If you do, then a bios flash should take care of that issue, but large drive support was almost universally added to systems at least 5 or more years ago.

Nor have I ever used XXCLONE. I personally use Acronis TrueImage for all my system backup and cloning needs, and have never had any issues with that.

One thing you should consider is getting an inexpensive laptop cooler. Laptops run hot, no argument on that, but a decent laptop cooler does help a great deal. Here is a link for examples in the US. I'm not sure where you get them in the UK, but I am sure they are readily available:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=2030260319+1276817102&name=Cooler

Thanks for the reply. I think Medion is only available in the UK under that name. It was originally sold only by Woolworths but is now available at some Supermarkets.

As I said one of my concerns is whether I will suddenly find parts springing out all over the place when I take off the covers. Is that likely?

I can't find anything on the side that looks like a hdd. The Optical drive is on one side and and a PC Card slot on the another.

Also, am I right to assume the battery should be removed before doing anything?

No, things won't spring out at all. Most parts are usually securely fastened to the case or socketed firmly. No laptop I have ever seen did that. And, as to the battery, absolutely yes! I generally remove mine a good 15 - 30 minutes before working on the system.

As to where the parts may be located, there must be some door or panel for the HD. I've never seen any recently designed laptop system where the HD couldn't be easily accessed. The manufacturer would do that just because they would need HD access for warranty repairs. So, it has to be there somewhere.

Thanks, will pluck up courage and take a look when I get the chance and report back.

Have taken a peek inside. The larger panel covers the CP & fan.

The smaller panel houses the hard drive. From what I could see the drive is held in place by a bar at the top which is screwed to the casing frame. Could just see the EIDE cable and power lead poking out from beneath the casing but very tight, as to be expected.

Didn't see anything that looked like RAM.

Have contacted Medion to see if they can supply a motherboard diagram and other info so I won't be working blind but no joy as yet.

The RAM is most likely behind the larger cover. You may not be noticing it 'cause it usually is seated in the same plane as the mobo, not at right angles as in desktop mobos. You might want to check the manufacturer's site for detailed instructions but some gentle prying to unseat the RAM may be required.