Laptop as an HTPC?

[h0bbes]

Recently my 3.5 year old laptop's screen has given up (backlight, not inverter) and i will not repair it since i am planning to get a new one soon. So i was wondering if i could turn it into an HTPC. It's a Dell inspiron 1520:

111gb hd disk
core 2 duo 1.8 ghz
2 gb ram
nvidia m8600 gt

I'm aware that HTPC's can be cheap but i want to keep using this laptop and i will have something to play around with. Unfortunately there is no HDMI output so i have to connect it to the TV with a VGA cable. Are there any hardware modifications i could do ? Such as removing the screen, since it is not working anyway.

I am not looking for the ideal HTPC solution, i am just looking for the best way to use this laptop, unless it is really not recommended! Thanks a lot in advance!:)

[shoota]

Absolutely. You can take the screen off at the hinges since you won't need that anymore.
Like you said you won't be doing full HTPC stuff like blu-ray and super duper high end audio etc etc.
But, you can play dvds, watch netflix/hulu, browse the net, etc.
Assuming you'll be sitting a ways away from the tv and laptop the only thing you might really want is a nice HTPC keyboard that has a mouse built in.
Like this one (but there are others, just don't get a cheap one trust me):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823176018&cm_re=iogear_wireless_keyboard-_-23-176-018-_-Product

[h0bbes]

Thanks for the reply! Is it worth upgrading to 4 gb of ram ? I already have a wireless keyboard with a touchpad (had to buy one because my laptop is currently connected to the tv!)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Keysonic-ACK-540RF-Wireless-Keyboard-Touchpad/dp/B002WB1JYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1299341413&sr=8-1

It is actually quite good. Not bulky and feels good. A bit concerned about the battery life but ill find out soon i guess!

[Neuromancer]

4GB wont be necessary.

[shoota]

Which OS are you using? Most likely 4gb wont be necessary.