Can you upgrade a laptop the same way you can upgrade a desktop?

I was wondering if you can add RAM to a laptop the same way you add RAM to a desktop PC. Can you just pop open the case and add some chips in? Or are the chips integrated into the mother board like some graphics cards are. Also, since I don't have an integrated intel graphics card, can I swap that out too?

I have an Inspirion 600m. So as you know it is kind of old, and instead of getting a new laptop I was wondering if I could just upgrade it.

WEll I already found RAM that will properly fit into my laptop, from crucial.com. But now how do I install the RAM? All I have to do is open the case, and pop the chips in right? Nothing to install, etc.Mercenary19

there was a guy who I called for office depot, and said "you can upgrade a notebook like you can a desktop. Its just that our stores do not sell the parts for it. its this funny!:PNeubauer4

[QUOTE="Neubauer4"]there was a guy who I called for office depot, and said "you can upgrade a notebook like you can a desktop. Its just that our stores do not sell the parts for it. its this funny!:Pyoyo462001

I wouldn't call it lots, as I'd have to say that most of them are integrated with the mobo. But those that can, well yea, I suppose you could try it yourself.

A program like PC Wizard should tell you what kind of RAM you have, and how many sticks of it you have.

And you aren't opening your laptop, there is a RAM access panel on the bottom, it is just a matter of pulling out a screw or two and opening the door. It still might void your warranty though, they might want you to have a professional install the RAM, so you can't accidentally short something out and then try and get the repair covered.