Well after all these posts, here goes with the ACTUAL HARDWARE UPGRADE INFORMATION:
I've had to split this into posts as it is too large to post in it's entirety! - POST 1
NOTE:
Some U.S. users will also find this post helpful as Sony chose not to offer the bluetooth option for any of the U.S. pre-configured models in the American market (We Europhiles get all the goods... ...for a change!). However, the U.S. systems are pre-wired and simply lack a few parts to enable the features to function (I seem to remember them doing the same with some of the U.S. Clie's as well).
Getting parts for VAIO's in Europe is hard work (unless your in the business), but you can get parts easily from Sony's DPAC site (which is based in the U.S.):
http://servicesales.sel.sony.com/web/index.jsp
01800-488-7669 (7669 = SONY)
These parts work on the following models VGN-A140/A150/A160/A115M/A115Z. Still, I'd expect that most, if not all, of the parts carry over to the whole A-Series line (the laptop schematics support this anyway!).
Here's the parts list (PART NO/PART NAME/PART PRICE):
1-805-554-11 / Bluetooth Module / $87.78
A-1058-407-A / Cable, BT Antenna / $33.42
4-672-839-11 / Screw, M2 Special Head, EG Grip / $1.84
4-672-493-01 / Cover (SC), (Fibrous Adhesive Tape) / $1.84
(I got some of the above info from VAIO VILLAGE, which I heartly recommend. Don't worry... ...I have checked and all the above parts are currently available!)
The HDD you can get from numerous sources anyware in the world.
It needs to be a current 2.5" version and try and go for a 7,500 rpm type (it will make a startling difference to the performance of the laptop). For most users of the VGN-A series you will be looking a size of either an 80 or 100 GB (other wise you are only getting a speed enhancment... ...not the ability to store more data). The Hitachi ones are particularly fast and reliable (they also make the x-black screens, by the way, that Sony uses in its laptops), go for ones that mention 'pixie-dust' in the specs, it is a highly reliable media type used on the disk platter that acheieves increadible levels of data density (i.e. more storage per unit area of the disk).
If you are technically minded you can also consult the VAIO service manuals:
There are only three service manuals that cover all of the different models within the A-Series line. The models listed above share the same manual as the ones I've listed below. The JPN, EUR, AO and some American models use another... here's the specifics for the one that U.s. and European users need:
Models: VGN-A50/A60/A70/A130/A170/A190/A115/A117/A195/A197/A11/A13/A15/A17/A19
Service Manual: 9-876-367-06 $7.50 (again from Sony's DPAC)
Before we start, PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. Doing this WILL INVALIDATE YOUR WARRENTY WITH SONY! YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!
2. Whilst not having to be particularly technically proficient (at least for the HDD replacment), you should at least know your way around the inside of a laptop computer (i.e. that's the HDD, that's a DIMM (RAM) module, etc).
3. I cANNOT AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMADGE THAT YOU CAUSE TO YOUR VAIO, you perform the following entirly at YOUR OWN RISK!
4. Buy a GROUNDING STRIP, to prevent static discharge from YOU damaging YOUR computer (Maplins Electronic
Stores sell these)
5. TAKE YOUR TIME !! Rushing will lead to mistakes and potential damadge to the computer.
6. NOTE WHERE EVERYTHING YOU REMOVE, CAME FROM AND IN WHAT ORIENTATION it was in the laptop, this includes the ribbon / flat cables (make a sketch diagram if it helps!)
PART 2 to follow...
can I re-suggest that you postt your guide in it's own brand new thread so it doesn't get buried amid this one?
