Windows 7 - Intel 4500MHD Switchable graphics/external card?

Hey guys. I recently bought an Acer Travelmate 5740. I didn't realise how bad the 4500MHD graphics were and I have heard about external graphics cards and 'switchable graphics'.

I did a few googles but obviously I am searching the wrong stuff. I have a chipset that allows switchable graphics, so is there a way of upgrading my graphics to something better? I don't mind spending a bit of money to get a lot more bang for my buck and I have heard ATI has external graphics that sync with internal ones or something.

Would I be able to upgrade this card (or remove it for a better one) could I pay a professional to do that for me, and where would I buy the new GPU?

Thanks for helping.

Welcome to SevenForums.
Here is an article on basically what "switchable" Graphics in Laptops is all about. Nvidia automates switchable mobile graphics with Optimus - TechSpot News

I realize this is about Nvidia but it also should apply with any combination of GPU's.

No not really since the GPU chips are soldered into your motherboard. So even if you could find someone capable of removing the 4500MHD chip he would also need to find and purchase a higher quality GPU chip that most likely wouldn't be able to simply be re-soldered into the old chips socket, then their could be all kinds of compatibility issues I would think.
Basically your stuck with what you have.

I have only been able to find this setup that allows for the use of a full size PCI-e graphics card.
http://www.magma.com/expressbox1.asp

The only video I could find on how it is setup http://www.externalgraphicscard.com/

This is really not a solution for your issue since this requires a laptop with a PCMCIA port, the MagmaBox1, additional LCD and a full size better graphic's card.

Also below this thread you'll see other threads on your graphics chip and also switchable graphics information.
Hope this helps answer some of your questions and I haven't made it to confusing as you can see I have edited this post(several times) trying to provide the best information available . Fabe