[spamuell]

Thanks for the responses everyone, especially the ones about buying RAM and possibly the second battery from places other than dell.

It seems like it's easy to upgrade RAM in laptops, is it basically impossible to upgrade a processor at some point in the future? I realise I'd have to buy a new motherboard (right?) but assuming I'm competent enough to put in new RAM, would I be able to put in a new motherboard or is it not really feasible that I'd be able to do that myself? If not, would a local computer shop be able to do it for a reasonable price or would I have to send it back to dell?

Thanks again for the help everyone.