Adding memory to a laptop...

I just got a Sony Vaio that's a little old, but still seems like a halfway decent laptop. It will serve my purposes, but I wanted to upgrade it a bit.

I've read a few threads here that say that memory can be added to most laptops after 1996. I'm sure this laptop is new enough to meet that. Can anyone give me information on how to add memory. Does this use the same type of memory that is used in my desktop? I'm just wondering if I can go out to the store, pick some up and be in business.

Also, I'm thinking about changing the OS to WinXP Pro. Right now it runs Windows ME. Opinions welcome.

BTW. Right now it only has 64meg of memory.

Thanks

 

Forget going to the store to "pick some up" - go to www.crucial.com and work your way through their memory configurator then buy the correct memory. Your Viao is most probably CAS 2. Easy to put in - removable plate on the back. If you are going to upgrade to XP, you'll most likely need to flash your bios (based on your question, don't try this yorself) and I'd recommend 256mb of memory as a minimum.