With gateway laptops, are you forced to buy only other Gateway hardware and accesories, because thats only what is compatible? Are there any other better laptop brands?

I have a hp pavilion dv6660se and my friend has some extra ram and I want to know how many slots my computer has for extra ram? If anyone knows please tell me.

I have a gateway 15″ mt6707 laptop in otherwise perfect shape except the screen is hosed. There’s large black chasms all over the screen and cracks and it’s just really ruined.
Now I’ve worked with desktops my whole life and would have no issue building a new one or whatever, but I’m new to laptops, and if it’s technically possible for me to do (e. g. I can solder, assemble etc. ), can someone tell me either how to do it myself or cheaply?
Thanking you very much in advance ^. ^

I am trying to find a program that would allow my Windows XP to run in a similar fashion. I don’t know what operating system that ancient Sony Vaio used, but is there an program that could imitate it? I get so tired of the ancient start-bar!