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nJm · Jun 6, 2004, 12:18 AM

I've been trying to get by with 256mb in my 12" 1Ghz, but it isn't enough! Would I notice a big difference between 512 and 768mb in my iBook? I do a lot of mulit tasking, especially stuff like PhotoshopCS with iTunes and MS Office apps running in the background.

wataru · Jun 6, 2004, 01:54 AM

Maybe the new iBooks are different, but if they aren't then your RAM is not 1 stick of 256MB, it's 2 sticks of 128MB, one of which is soldered to the motherboard (and can't be removed). If that's the case then you can't have 512MB or 768MB. Your options are 384MB, 640MB, and 1152MB. Since you only get one shot at upgrading (unless you want to throw a stick away) I suggest you get either an extra 512MB or 1GB.

I have 640MB, and it's a lot better than just the 256MB that my iBook came with, but I suppose I could use some more. Whether you need more or not is up to you.

francois9 · Jun 6, 2004, 06:37 AM

According to the specs on the apple website, the new ibooks come with 256Mb RAM and one open slot, so you don't have to throw away one 128Mb module to upgrade.

I might be wrong though...

ghporter · Jun 6, 2004, 07:13 AM

On a G4 800MHz iBook, adding 512MB of RAM (moving up to 640MB, and having a "spare" 128MB module) made a huge improvement in responsiveness. It boots faster, opens and closes programs faster, and seems to run the programs faster too. Definitely worth while!

The only problem I had with this upgrade was getting that @$^&#$%# RAM shield to snap into place so I could reinstall the AirPort Extreme card. Take your time and be gentle...it's a pain but it does go back in place.

nJm · Jun 6, 2004, 08:07 AM

Yes, the new ones like mine have 256mb on board, and one empty slot.

I think I will add an extra 512, 1gb is still far too expensive.

Langdon · Jun 6, 2004, 09:08 AM

Originally posted by francois9:

I might be wrong though...

You are not

Thraxes · Jun 6, 2004, 02:33 PM

Got my iBook last tuesday. First task was to install a 512MB Kingston Module. Alas it turned out it the module was dead. I made do for the evening with the 256MBs. It really got slow at some points. The next day I got a replacement Kingston module and it worked!

The difference is very noticeable! This is an upgrade that I would absolutely recommend to anybody thinking of buying an iBook.

The Placid Casual · Jun 6, 2004, 02:51 PM

How much RAM?

As much as you can afford, or beg and steal to buy.

RAM is your friend.

Hans M Aus · Jun 10, 2004, 02:38 AM

The more RAM (>>500 MB) the less frequently the disk gets messed up. My observation over the years, with more than 60 Macs, is that with more RAM the repair programs find fewer problems with the file and volume structures. It's as if the operating system needs more space then generally assumed.

Most of our OSX system have at least 256 + 512 MB.

StephanieA · Jun 12, 2004, 04:19 PM

I'm considering switching to an iBook when I go off to university this fall. The student discount isn't quite enough because I want the maximum amout of RAM in my machine. Is putting in extra RAM difficult and about how much would it save me? Will any stick of RAM work or does it have to be Mac compatible or something?

Sorry. I'm a little stupid when it comes to computers.

Thraxes · Jun 12, 2004, 04:57 PM

I know that Kingston modules work for sure in iBooks. Kingston model number KTA-PBG4266/512 works. I got my 512 MB module for 120 Euros locally in Frankfurt. If you are not sure try www.crucial.com they have a memory selector that asks you simply what Machine do you have.

Installing the RAM is as itself relatively easy. Be warned though, you need a small cross screwdriver... and I mean really small! There are 4 miniature screws that have to be removed to be able to access the RAM slot. After that insert the the ram so that the contacts are not visible anymore (needs a bit of force for the module to click in). Then, before you close it all up, start the machine and check in "about this mac" if the module has been accepted. If it has, shut down, close up everything and be happy!

This procedure is described in more detail with pictures in the iBook user manual by the way

ginoledesma · Jun 13, 2004, 08:19 AM

I have 640MB myself on my iBook G4/800, but if I could afford the 1GB module, I'd buy it. Back when PC133 SDRAM DIMMs were dirt cheap, I loaded up my old PowerMac G4/400. You couldn't really tell the difference anymore between1GB, 1.25GB, 1.5GB and 2GB of RAM anymore for day-to-day use, but for those dealing with apps the likes of Photoshop, iMovie, InDesign and what not, having a lot of RAM really helps.

turtle777 · Jun 14, 2004, 09:25 PM

Originally posted by nJm:
I've been trying to get by with 256mb in my 12" 1Ghz, but it isn't enough! Would I notice a big difference between 512 and 768mb in my iBook? I do a lot of mulit tasking, especially stuff like PhotoshopCS with iTunes and MS Office apps running in the background.

FOR PETE'S SAKE !

There are at least ONE MILLION threads running discussing this.
Have you ever used the search function :

Sorry, but you are wasting precious bytes starting a new thread...

-t

mishap · Jun 14, 2004, 10:11 PM

buy lots of ram.
it will bring you true happiness and maybe true love.

iKwak · Jun 16, 2004, 02:20 AM

Wish I had the money to pick up a 512 ram on my iBook.

Randman · Jun 16, 2004, 02:36 AM

Just a few days ago, I went from an extra 512 to 1GB in my iBook G4 and it's even more snappier.

Dr.Michael · Jun 23, 2004, 05:00 PM

Originally posted by nJm:
I've been trying to get by with 256mb in my 12" 1Ghz, but it isn't enough! Would I notice a big difference between 512 and 768mb in my iBook? I do a lot of mulit tasking, especially stuff like PhotoshopCS with iTunes and MS Office apps running in the background.

Try this
http://www.hillmanminx.net/dinmm/index.html