The Dell Latitude D400 is an ultraportable laptop that arrived on the scene in 2003. Because of its quality, small form and sleek portability, the Dell D400 laptop remains popular even though it is no longer available in retail outlets. New ultraportable laptops are an expensive investment. If a new laptop is outside of your budget; you already have a D400 laptop Dell; or you're checking into a few options before making a final decision, consider an upgrade to customize features.

Compared to new laptops available today in retail outlets, the Dell Latitude D400 notebooks have less memory, a smaller hard drive and an older version of Windows. Upgrading to a new, larger hard drive and more memory makes the Dell Latitude D400 computer faster and easier to use.

Some steps to take:

1. Read and do research before you decide if you're able to do it yourself.

2. Investigate the cost of upgrading your Dell laptop D400 rather than purchasing a new laptop.

3. Choose which customizations you want to make to the Dell Latitude D400 configuration.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take an online course to learn about upgrading a Dell Latitude D400 configuration

Upgrading computer hardware is not for everyone. If you feel this is beyond you, take it to a professional or buy a new computer. However, if you just need a bit of confidence and more knowledge about the details involved, take an online course to learn more.

I recommend: Enroll in a CNET.com online course.

Obtain the necessary Dell D400 laptop parts, tools, manuals and drivers

It's essential to get Dell D400 information by reading the product manual. Find the various parts for the Dell D400 for sale online. Make sure you have all the tools you need. Don't use magnetic tipped screwdrivers when working on a computer, and make sure you discharge any static electricity in your body by touching something metal immediately before you begin.

I recommend: Manuals or drivers are available at the Dell product support page. Purchase memory upgrades at PCMemoryStore. Choose other parts directly from Dell.

Install a Linux operating system on your Dell laptop D400

Dell Latitude D400 notebooks are popular computers among Linux users. The reason is older computers with less memory will easily run Linux when they might have a hard time running the current version of Windows.

I recommend: One of the most user-friendly versions of Linux is Ubuntu. Watch an informative video at CNET and visit Ubuntu.com to download or order the installation software. You can get help at Ubuntu.com if you're confused. Obtain information about installing other versions at Linux.org. Find specific information on installing various versions of Linux on a Dell Latitude D400 laptop at Tuxmobil.org: scroll down the page until you see the Latitude D400 section and click on any of the links corresponding to the specific Linux version you are considering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Magnetized tipped screwdrivers can damage memory. Use removable mounting adhesive, put a small amount in the slot on the screw, and then use a regular screwdriver. It holds to fasten the screw and it's an inexpensive alternative.