[blkdog7]

I have a Powerbook G4 500 with 512MB of RAM running Tiger. I am actually quite happy with the computer, it is still a VERY capable machine. I get some occasional slow-downs, nothing too major. I can do simple tasks in Photoshop and Illustrator with ease, which makes me happy .

Anyway, I've been thinking of adding more RAM to my laptop to give it some new life, and I thought it would give my laptop another year of extended service while I wait for the G5 powerbooks to come out.

So, the question is this, is upgrading from 512MB to 1024MB Ram really worth it? Will I see a slight performance increase? Or, will it be substantial? I ask because I am maxed out right now with (2) 256MB RAM modules and would have to buy (2) new 512MB modules to make this step.

Anyone having any experience with this same situation with similar hardware?

Thanks!

[blkdog7]

Really? No one has any insight into this?

[Voch]

I went from 768MB (256MB + 512MB) to 1GB (2x512MB) on my PowerBook 667/DVI about six months ago because I hit my upper RAM limit when I had several applications like Photoshop, Firefox, Eudora, and Unison 1.5 loaded. The extra breathing room has been handy for when I do lots of things at once, even after the release of the more RAM-optimized Unison 1.6 (best news reader ever ).

A good way to tell if you can take advantage of more RAM is to open a Terminal window and run the "top" command to see how much RAM is actually in use by your applications.

Will you be keeping your current PowerBook for a while? I justified my RAM purchase by realizing that I was going to keep it until my AppleCare ran out...

Voch

[blkdog7]

Originally Posted by Voch

I went from 768MB (256MB + 512MB) to 1GB (2x512MB) on my PowerBook 667/DVI about six months ago because I hit my upper RAM limit when I had several applications like Photoshop, Firefox, Eudora, and Unison 1.5 loaded. The extra breathing room has been handy for when I do lots of things at once, even after the release of the more RAM-optimized Unison 1.6 (best news reader ever ).

A good way to tell if you can take advantage of more RAM is to open a Terminal window and run the "top" command to see how much RAM is actually in use by your applications.

Will you be keeping your current PowerBook for a while? I justified my RAM purchase by realizing that I was going to keep it until my AppleCare ran out...

Voch

Thanks for the reply.

I plan on keeping my Powerbook for another year, at least. I was going to buy a new 15" or 17" Powerbook but have since decided to hold-off for another year to see if the G5's showup.

My computer runs great overall, it's just that it runs out of steam when I try doing too many things at once (photoshop, dreamweaver, illustrator, plus safari, etc.)

[Voch]

More RAM might be good for you, then. I maxed out my PowerBook because I like to background some tasks (Usenet news header pulls take a while sometimes, especially for a lot of 'em) while using my computer for other tasks. If you work with all of those applications but only really one-at-a-time you're probably OK with the RAM you have...if you move between them often without closing them down you might want to invest in more RAM.

I'm holding out for Apple's "next big thing" myself, but may get an interim iBook for travelling anyway...

Voch

[tooki]

For how I work, 512MB->1GB makes a very appreciable improvement.

tooki

[cenutrio]

I own a 400 TiPB, 1 GB really made an impact in multitasking and number of applications that I can keep open without slow downs. Also upgrade your HD, it will make a huge difference.

[Voch]

Originally Posted by cenutrio

I own a 400 TiPB, 1 GB really made an impact in multitasking and number of applications that I can keep open without slow downs. Also upgrade your HD, it will make a huge difference.

Oh yeah...the last upgrade I *haven't* done to my TiBook yet. If the better-be-coming-soon iBook upgrade is unimpressive I may just do that to my current toy (and add an 802.11g card)...

Voch

[blkdog7]

Thanks everyone for the advice.

Looks like I'll go ahead and get the new RAM.

Would you spend the extra $30 or so for Crucial Ram? Or, take a chance with OWC Ram?

[kmarketing]

Hi,

I have a few extra chips that I could sell to you. Let me know if you are interested.

Thanks!

[blkdog7]

I am interested! I'm looking for (2) PC100 (or 133) 144 pin sodimm's for my Powerbook 500 G4 Ti

What brand RAM do you have?

And, how much do you want for it?

[lilrabbit129]

I would go for it. You can't have too much ram.