How to install memory on Medion Akoya LS?

[tom_handheld]

Anyone knows how to install memory and hard drive on this model? There's no openable lids underneath as I can see (at BestBuy).

[StngStr]

I just bought a Medion Akoya EX yesterday, which does have openable ports/lids on the bottom for upgrading, but when I was researching I asked the same question about the Akoya LX? or is it LS? Anyway, the smaller one and the Best Buy guy said he thinks it's upgradeable underneath the keyboard. Something about removing the keyboard to access the memory slots? He didn't seem to know for sure though.

Medion Akoya Ex

[tom_handheld]

StngStr

Thanks for your reply. I also look into having the Akoya EX (14.1"). I've got following questions if you can answer:

- What is your experience with it?
- Is there openings for hard drive and memory upgrades, is it?
- Did you buy an extended warranty?

I don't know much about this brand though.

[StngStr]

so far I'm pretty satisfied. I do have a few issues and they may be due to my lack of knowledge/inexperience.

First, the wireless lan doesn't automatically connect when turning the notebook on. You have to hold two keys down to turn it on. I'd rather it automatically turned on with the notebook.

2nd...when I first turned on the notebook I uninstalled all the AOL stuff that I don't use. Also...the windows automatically downloaded and installed updates and Norton Antivirus 2005 automatically downloaded it's virus definitions and updates. Now, everytime I restart the notebook, Windows Installer starts and Norton shuts it down with an error "Norton Antivirus 2005 does not support the Repair feature, please uninstall and reinstall." Weird. Can't seem to fix it. It didn't do that until I uninstalled the AOL crap.

Other than those two issues, i'm satisfied with the notebook. There are openings and stuff on the bottom for the memory and hard drive upgrades just like most other notebooks. The Akoya LS doesn't have any. I did buy the extended warranty just because it's a new brand and I was a bit leary about it. But, I'd have had to spend a couple hundred dollars more to get a comparably equipped mainstream brand name.

Medion Akoya Ex

[tom_handheld]

For the last comment, I agree with you. I may have to look for other brand name laptops.

Thank you!

[Omni_Colos]

I traded in my Akoya LS (KB died) for the EX model as there are lots more features for the price. What you trade for having a slightly larger machine you get DVD+RW, upgrade panels, less cramped KB a little more cpu speed and 80gb hd. So far I am quite happy with it.

The wifi can be set in bios to "last setting" mode. That is if it was on when you shut down, it will be turned on when you start up again.

Linux seems to support the hardware well. I installed Ubuntu on it and was very pleased with the performance. The the wifi firmware and driver may need to be updated to use WPA wireless security.

OC

[StngStr]

i ended up returning my Akoya EX and got a HP dv4040 for a couple hundred more. Better processor, more memory, better/bigger screen, more video memory, great speakers (Akoya's are crap), etc...etc....

Best move I ever made.

_____________________________
Ryan
HP dv4040:
* 1.73 Ghz Pentium M * 1.0 GB DDR SDRAM * 100 GB 4200 RPM HD * 15.4" WXGA BrightView WideScreen * Intel Pro/Wireless 2200 * 8x CD/DVD Burner (DVD+/-RW) * Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (128 shared) * Win XP Pro SP2 *

[tom_handheld]

Hi guys,

I ended up placing an order for Dell Inspiron 700m (Pentium M - Dothan 1.8 Ghz) last Sun. There was a $500 off instant discount at Small Bus section. Including tax (TX), I paid under $1000. I look forward to receiving it soon.

Thanks!

[]

[celticchrys]

I'm not surprised that the BestBuy guy wasn't sure. Some seem to know less about their products than I can glean from a google search. The BestBuy guys here tried to tell me I had to pay myself to ship the thing to germany, where Medion is based, if I had problems and didn't buy their warranty. Online research turned up this:
http://www.decisiononecorporate.com/3662_3923.htm
So, Medion is offering state-side tech support. Best-Buy fellow lied. Then they tried to cahrge me $30 for the laptop functionality test that was free for my friend. The manager who sorted out that mess was very competent, however. My conclusion is that at Best Buy it absolutely depends which individual member of the staff you get. So find the one or two good, competent people and look for them thereafter by name when shopping there.

[celticchrys]

[quote]Originally posted by StngStr
>First, the wireless lan doesn't automatically connect when turning the notebook on. You
>have to hold two keys down to turn it on. I'd rather it automatically turned on with the
>notebook.

I bought the Akoya EX a few weeks ago. There is a setting in the BIOS for this. You can set it to automatically always turn the wireless on if you wish. Just hunt aroung the BIOS setup menu.
As regards your other issues, just uninstall the trial version of Norton that is on there as well,and then instal the virus program of choice. That's what I did, and none of these issues. All AOL and Norton pre-instaleld junk as well as Microsoft Works were removed right away.
I am also pretty satisfied wwith this laptop. I'm migrating from an IBM thinkpad, and it's jsut not as sturdy and the keyboard not as ideal as the thinkpas, but it's got a better keyboard layoutthan many others. Few things are as sturdy as a Thinkpad anyhow, so that's probably an unfair comparison.
My deciding factor was that this was the lightest weight laptop that came with a dual layer DVD burner for this low aprice point that I could find. It has lots of ports, a very nice looking screen, etc. Centrino.
A fried also purchased one a week or so before I did, and I had the chance to test drive hers a bit.
And yes, there are doors that can open on the bottom of the laptop for upgrades. I'm goign to upgrade the RAM soon on mine I think.
Hope some of that helps everyone.