Can you replace a USB port on a Dell inspiron 1150, similar to you can on a PC?

Answer:

I don't cogitate he's going to find many widen slots in a laptop. About the best you can do is a PCMCIA USB card for that point.
Not really. The USB ports are soldered onto the motherboard and even for a very worthy tech, replacing items that are soldered to the motherboard is a very dull and difficult job. You are probably best stale to replace the motherboard instead.
Go to eBay and buy a USB 2.0 PCI card and add it to an instigate slot. $8 + shipping.