[Rits]

There is a option for IDE SSD.

For details:

Upgrading to an IDE SSD

 

[Rits]

Yes you can connect and use external drive to boot on your laptop.

 

[Rits]

Without TRIM, the drives firmware thinks a lot more of the drive is in use than really is, so it has less scope to spread the wear around. Thus, not having TRIM support can lead to parts of the disk wearing out prematurely.


So I will recommendd you that use TRIM support with SSD.

 

[Rits]

Or could I find 1 GB RAM (making his laptop Windows 7 compatible) + an SSD for around $100 and would that be worth it?

Yes that would be worth but before that you need to check if his laptop ram is upgradable and if it is then go for 2 GB.