[Mr Mushroom]

I am ready to order my new 17" Powerbook (my first MAC) and have decided to order from the online Apple Store so that I can get the faster hard drive and the extra video memory.

When it comes to RAM, should I also order this from the Apple store? I have seen many posts here that suggest getting the minimum possible RAM and upgrading it from a 3rd party seller, but as I am not technically proficient at all, I am thinking of getting it pre-installed by Apple for peace of mind, and for less hassle generally. If I get the full 2GB it will cost an extra $1100, which is a lot of money, but I figure that it would cost me at least $800 to get the two 1GB sticks of RAM from a 3rd party seller anyway, and for me the extra $300 is worth it to take away the potential hassles.

Any thoughts on this? I would welcome any feedback.

Thanks

Mr Mushroom

[boysss]

hey mushroom. Why would you waste money buying extra ram from apple? adding new ram to your PB is a snap. I aint computer literate but it aint a prob to me. Check out Crucial ram.

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.p...hreadid=220031

1gb ram costs only $400 sth and Crucial has outstanding reputation.

[SupahCoolX]

Apple RAM is really expensive- I always buy elsewhere.
Check www.ramseeker.com for the best prices in town.

Installing RAM is NOT a hassle at all. Just remove 4 (tiny) screws, stick it in, replace screws. Literally takes 2 minutes. Just make sure you have a small screwdriver (I always use one from an eyeglass repair kit). This operation might be worth $3 of hassle, but certainly not $300

[Mr Mushroom]

Thanks for the advice guys. The reason I was planning on paying the extra is that I have really bad luck with things like this, and I have a feeling that somehow something will go wrong whilst I am installing the RAM, and I will be kicking myself for trying to save a few bucks. I figure I am spending $4000 or so on this so if I am paying a little more for peace of mind that's okay. But I will think about it some more now because of your advice.

One question though - is there any difference between the different manufacturers of RAM? Which do Apple use?

[wuzup101]

There have been reports of Apple using all different kinds of ram. I think they are using samsung chips recently, but you can be assured they don't make the chips themselves. They are bought from the same sources that make the 3rd party ram they just charge a premium for it. Also, adding ram is one of the few things you can do to your PB that doesn't void your warranty. I've been building PCs for years; however, I'm relatively new to Macs. I can tell you that upgrading ram on a laptop is super easy and I really suggest you just do it yourself. There are very few things that can go wrong. Also, crucial is great stuff and I swear by it. However, for the price, kingmax makes great ram also, and you can get a 1gb stick for your new PB for $247 off of newegg.com. Most ram has a lifetime warranty in this day in age, so you have relatively little to worry about as long as you buy a reputable name.

Kingmax PC2700 1gb now down to $235 w/ free shipping

Basically the only thing you need to know about upgrading is to ground yourself before touching anything that can be dammaged by electrostatic shock. I would suggest if you're rather new that you buy a grounding cable at radioshack for $10 (or less) and that you make sure to discharge any static by touching something metal before opening the ram and the computer. The grounding strap then goes arund your wrist and attaches to a metal object and draws any static away from you. I personally don't use one and am just careful to always ground myself before touching anything; however, for a newbie they are good to have. I would say piece of mind is great, but when even a novice can upgrade ram there's no reason not to. Now if you were considering a HDD upgrade I might tell you just to pay extra for it, but not ram, it's too simple. Two sticks of this ram will cost you 470 shipped... that's much better than 1100 wouldn't you say?

[Mr Mushroom]

Thanks so much for your help - I will take all this on board before I decide what to do.

Thanks for taking the time to explain the procedure.

Mushroom

[wuzup101]

I also just read another thread here about a users experience upgrading his ram on his 12" PB. I also feel it necessary to remind you that you should consult your owners manual which states which size driver to use. Make sure you use the specified tool for the job (I believe he stated it was a size 0 phillups head driver). Also, make sure you don't us a magnetic driver (as some common drivers are magnatized so screws stay in place better). Just wanted to add that incase you didn't see his post! It really is a very simple procedure if you take your time and do it right. It can be done in less than 5 min, but I would take your time as you're new to working on hardware.

[Ken6800]

Yep, size 0 philips screwdriver. You will know you have the right driver, as they slot right in and feel "right". Anti-static precautions as explained in this thread.

Don't force them like I did and you should be fine! The actual procedure is extremely simple with the right tools.