[jlgrandam]

Can I use a PC3200 stick of ram from a powerbook in a new ibook? I think the memory will just clock down to the correct speed right? Plus why is PC3200 cheaper than PC2100 at crucial by like 60 bucks?

[selowitch]

Originally posted by jlgrandam:
Can I use a PC3200 stick of ram from a powerbook in a new ibook? I think the memory will just clock down to the correct speed right? Plus why is PC3200 cheaper than PC2100 at crucial by like 60 bucks?

If it's a brand-new iBook, I'm pretty sure that only PC2100 or PC2700 RAM will work in it, but don't quote me.

[Big Mac]

iBooks require lower profile SO-DIMMs. Thus, if you are planning to buy desktop memory for your iBook, that will not work. But if you have found PC3200 SO-DIMMs, and they are cheaper than PC2100, then there is no problem putting faster RAM in.

[ghporter]

Big Mac is completely correct. Standard SODIMMS will work fine, even if they are rated as faster than what the iBook requires. Faster RAM is simply capable of handling logic transitions faster, and it has no problem working at slower speeds.

But DO watch the size issue-you need Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules or SODIMMs, whereas desktop computers (typically-there are exceptions for really small footprint desktops) use Dual Inline Memory Modules or DIMMs. I have always found that going to the RAM manufacturers gave me both fairly good prices and the assurance that their products would work in my computer. YMMV, but I typically avoid middlemen like Newegg and go straight to the source.

I don't know what RAM form factor the Mac Mini uses, but odds are it uses SODIMMs for their small size. But I wouldn't call it a "desktop" computer anyway-more of a "cargo pocket" computer. I gotta save my pennies to get one of those things!

[selowitch]

Originally posted by ghporter:
YMMV, but I typically avoid middlemen like Newegg and go straight to the source.

How do you do that, exactly? Can you give us an example?

[jlgrandam]

Thanks for your replies. I know the difference between SODIMMs and DIMMs. Can anyone tell me why on crucial.com the ibook ram is $150 for pc2100 512MB while their powerbook pc2700 512MB is only $100?

[ghporter]

Originally posted by selowitch:
How do you do that, exactly? Can you give us an example?

Kingston's Online Store, Crucial's Online Store, Corsair's Site, and PNY's Site.

Kingston and Crucial make it really easy to get the part you need. Kingston calls it "Memory Search" and Crucial just gives you step by step search instructions.

Corsair and PNY aren't as easy to use. Corsair points you to various online retailers, including Newegg and Buy.com. They do have a "configuration helper" (it's under "Ram Guy" under their Technical Resoucres section), and once you find the correct part, they'll again point you to the online retailers.

On PNY's site, you have to select "Memory Upgrades" to get the "Configurator" option on the left hand side of the screen. It will find the appropriate parts, then help you find an online retailer.

I like buying straight from the manufacturer in this way. But at least in the case of Corsair and PNY products located in this manner, you know that the parts are correct, not just "probably ok," so the middleman isn't a big problem.

[SSharon]

Originally posted by ghporter:
I don't know what RAM form factor the Mac Mini uses, but odds are it uses SODIMMs for their small size. But I wouldn't call it a "desktop" computer anyway-more of a "cargo pocket" computer. I gotta save my pennies to get one of those things!

From Apple.com, "Memory
256MB of PC2700 (333MHz) DDR SDRAM, supports up to 1GB"

It uses a laptop hard drive, but normal RAM, go figure.

As for the OP question I believe that the iBook ram being cheaper is simply an issue of supply and demand. Crucial may have too many pc2700 sticks and is trying to clear them out.