Topic: Need a graphics card for laptop

[Lindsay]

Howdidoo all.  
I just bought a Dell Latitude 100L and the graphics card I have the now is em.. Intel Extreme Graphics 82852/82855
Processor is Mobile Intel pentium 4 cpu 2.8GHz
256mb ram
OS is XP professional
Anyway I got the sims 2, knowing that the graphics wouldnt be that good, and it was as I expected, slow.. so I need a new one, but I'm not sure what I should consider seen as how its a laptop and I've not had one before. (I take it there is extra stuff you have to think about?) Also I want this laptop to last a long time so I am a bit worried about prodding around inside it.  
So what should I look for?
Thank you!  

[Sandra]

Unfortunately Lindsay, I dont think that you can do anything  
As with most laptops the graphics are embedded in the chip on the mobo.
Yours works by using the system memory and according to the Intel site if you have 128 to 255mb ram then it allocates 32mb for the graphics, with 256mb upwards it allocates 64mb.
So thats your limit I am afraid  
Even if you increased your ram it doesnt seem like it would allow anymore to be used for the graphics as youre at its maximum already  

[Lindsay]

Aw   So nothing can be done at all? Not even by a professional?! How can I get the most out of what it has?

[Sandra]

You could try updating the drivers to the latest ones from the manufacturers site and play around with the Hardware Acceleration settings in the display properties.
Not sure if it will improve anything but thats all I can think of trying