Can I make my Compaq 311c - 1101A Notebook useful in todays world?

pfpf

I'm actually torn again. I may try the memory upgrade and see how it performs for the tasks I have...
What does one do with old hardware? Big cumbersome stuff would get scrapped or given away if it has any use to someone.
I'd love to think this item has use in some capacity for something but time will tell, it's in as new condition which is why I'll chance £12 on the upgrade. Cheers.

Paradigm

For £12 there's really nothing to lose!  If it doesn't work out then the fallback is refurb laptop... or better/new if you're going to use it for more intensive work?

Only you can decide that!

SimplyBetter

Paradigm said:

For £12 there's really nothing to lose!  If it doesn't work out then the fallback is refurb laptop... or better/new if you're going to use it for more intensive work?

Only you can decide that!

It's not worth spending anything on that Netbook. It's not usable. I have one tucked away somewhere with 2GB of RAM, an SSD and Windows 7 32-bit.
Without that upgrade it would simply not be usable. It's not worth spending anything on it unless you have a specific function in mind for it. 2GB RAM module is £0.15 plus postage if you cannot pick it up yourself. https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail?id=200PINSMBPCPN
£12 would be ridiculous for just RAM. But you can spend £10 on an SSD. So £12 in total for both. But again, only useful for particular tasks, as the processor is very weak and single core.

Paradigm

Like I said.... the OP's choice!

SimplyBetter

Paradigm said:

Like I said.... the OP's choice!

That goes without saying...
They asked and we are here to advise. 
£12 for RAM for that device is just nonsense.
I see a use for it as a SAMBA server or with something like Debian Stable 32-bit or MXLinux. Forget about Windows 10.

HillStreetBlues

pfpf said:

be able to log in to online banking

I think it would be quicker to walk to the branch.

pfpf

HillStreetBlues said:

pfpf said:

be able to log in to online banking

I think it would be quicker to walk to the branch.

ha, fair enough. thanks everyone.
my PC is a self build (i used to be partially capable of such things) and i used to use it a lot but it is around 12 years old now.
i may use the opportunity to get a Laptop that will replace the lot.

i'll post again when i have done some research for advice on a chosen machine.

thank you all.

mksysb

As others had said, it should be usable with Linux, so even if you get a new one, you can keep the old one as a backup.  Once you get used to linux on the old one, I'm sure you'll be wanting to swap Windows on your new one for Linux

Sarahspangles

Keeping old laptops running used to be a bit of a hobby of mine. I’m not familiar with that model but pretty much a universal issue is that the thermal paste used to keep the CPU from overheating ages over time and needs replacing. With a processor running at its limits, cooling is very important. It’s a cheap fix but if you don’t already own the tools required to open your notebook and perform maintenance the cost starts to mount up. They are the sort of tools that drop-in maker spaces/hack spaces have, if that interests you.

I’m currently eyeing up my work laptop as I suspect it will be retired when I do and I might offer for it. It’s metal and hasn’t had a hard life as it’s been a desktop replacement. I’d have to borrow back my tools from my son, he grew up tinkering with IT kit and now works in designing the stuff!

J_B

HillStreetBlues said:

pfpf said:

be able to log in to online banking

I think it would be quicker to walk to the branch.

But, they're all closed now ...