[TheZee]

I have a few questions, for those with the know, about purchasing certain items for my iBook. First, I have an ivory iBook 800mhz w/256RAM(128 installed + 128 additional), 30G HD and running OSX.2.8 Any guidance on any and/or all of my inquiries is most appreciated. Here is my list of questions:

#1 Is 512mb RAM the max I can install, making the max RAM I can have
640mb? What is the best/most inexpensive brand of memory to buy?
Where is the best place to buy RAM memory?

#2 Any suggestions on purchasing an external HD? Id like to have
an extra 40-60G memory to be able to backup my entire system and
store it. Should I go the way of an external HD or should I replace
my internal HD for a bigger one? Where's the best place to buy such
a thing? Whats the best/most economical external HD and or
internal HD?

#3 Can I upgrade my processor? I have a 800mhz processor at present.

#4 Id like to purchase a web camera and be able to use it for a home security
as well as the web. Can anyone suggest a good inexpensive one to look at?

Thanks for any and all guidance given. Macs ROCK !!!

[brickcam]

I think these q's really belong in separate categories.

1) 640 is the limit. I would recommend Kingston memory, for reliable yet still not generic RAM, to save money. If money is less important, go to Crucial.

2) For backup purposes, replacing your laptop hd will not accomplish anything. Buy a cheap external enclosure (do a search in the Peripherals forum) and a Seagate hd (good warranty), put them together in 5 min, and save a bundle. Look at pricewatch.com for the current price/storage curve.

3) No.

Good luck.

[TheZee]

Thanks for your guidance. I will definitely check your suggestions out. Ok, so investing in an external HD for storage is the way to go? That's what I was debating, replace the internal HD for a higher capacity HD or purchase and external HD. After reading your post I am going to look more into external HD's. Now there's another question: Do I go for a standard external HD or do I get one that mobile? I am a laptop user. No desktop Macs in my collection yet. Anymore guidance is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[brickcam]

You're welcome. What I meant about storage was, if the purpose of this data source is to Back Up your data, then buying a bigger internal doesn't accomplish the goal. If it goes out, you lose everything.

Whether or not you want a mobile external really has to do with price point and your needs. Personally, my external exists for (weekly) data backup and long-term media storage, so I don't need it on the road with me. Most enclosures (like this 30$ macally firewire one) come with an external power brick. You could tote it along with you, but the drive + power brick would be larger than your ibook itself. In general, if you don't need a feature, don't get it. It will only increase price and complicate your electronics, which is bad for reliability.