How to speed up your laptop for cheap

Step 4: Remember quicker

The faster your computer's brain can access its information, the better it will run. While solid state memory is the future, it's a bit pricey in bulk, whereas spinning drives are slower but cheaper. Enter the hybrid drive – which gives you the best of both worlds.

The Seagate Momentus XT, for example, gives you 750GB storage on the 7200rpm drive, while its 8GB NAND flash memory is used for frequent processes like applications and operating system functions. This means you get all the benefits of fast boot up and program execution, while still having the storage capacity of a larger drive – and it won't break the bank.