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edolecki · Jun 7, 2006, 08:00 AM

Hello. I'm new here and need some assistance.

After reading the threads about upgrading RAM ourselves, I went ahead and ordered this morning 2GB from Newell (Patriot) as suggested in some of the discussions. I'm not very technical girl and I'm afraid I might just kill my one-day old macbook (black).

Do I need any tools to get it installed? Is there any tools that will make the job easier? Any word of caution that I should know about? Would someone drive/fly to Atlanta and install this for me, I'll buy you some coffee (I'm kidding, of course. Unless you really want to. Ha ha.)?

Thanks,
Maan

pinkoos · Jun 7, 2006, 08:16 AM

You'll need a Philips #00 screwdriver and a lot of "push." It takes determination to get the new RAM to click into its slot. You will have to push very very very hard with at least two fingers while at the same time supporting the other side of the MacBook so it doesn't slide all over your table top during the install.

If you have Big Lots stores in Atlanta, they usually carry a little "jeweler's toolkit" that contains very small screwdrivers including the one you will need. It's 98 cents at my local Big Lots.

Here's the link to Apple's instructions:

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303721

jokell82 · Jun 7, 2006, 08:57 AM

And even though Apple says to use a size #00, have a size #0 around just in case. It seems to work a little better than the #00 at getting those screws outta there.

SSharon · Jun 7, 2006, 09:02 AM

I will likely be in atlanta the first week in august, but I don't think it's worth waiting that long for my help.
Get the right screwdriver, discharge static electricity (then don't walk around), install ram with what seems like too much force, close it up and enjoy.

edolecki · Jun 7, 2006, 10:19 AM

SSharon,

We are practically neighbor!

Although I work in Atlanta on weekdays, I fly home every weekend in Glenview, IL (next door to Skokie).

pinkoos · Jun 7, 2006, 11:08 AM

And, whatever you do, DO NOT strip those little screws.

edolecki · Jun 7, 2006, 02:30 PM

Pinkoos- what do you mean exactly by stripping? And more importantly, how do I NOT do that?

How will I know if I've pushed or put enough pressure and that the thing is installed properly? Will it "click" into place or something?

Since, I'm still waiting for the RAM, is it okay for me to install software (iWork, Photoshop, etc) or should I wait until I installed the RAMs?

These Phillips #00 and #0 thingies, can I get these at Home Depot or Lowe's? I don't think I've seen Big Lots around here.

Thanks!

pinkoos · Jun 7, 2006, 04:12 PM

Screw stripping is when the head of your screwdriver wears out the "notches" in the screw to the point that there is no "lock in place" of the screwdriver head to the notch in the screw. Obviously, this will make it next to impossible to tighten or loosen the screw. You avoid this by making sure that when you're tightening or loosening the screw your screwdriver head makes complete, firm and tight contact with the screw notch as you screw or unscrew.

You have to push VERY HARD. If you are not pushing to the point that you're worried about breaking something, then you are not pushing hard enough. Yes, you will hear a click once it does make it in all the way. No part of the RAM module should be sticking out at all if it's in all the way.

Worst case scenario, you think you pushed it in all the way and so closed everything up, put the battery back and tried to reboot, only to get a flashing white light on the edge of the MacBook. This means you didn't push it in all the way, so you have to open it all up again and try again.

It's okay to install whatever you want in terms of apps, but remember that with 512 MB, it will be slow and Photoshop (since it uses Rosetta) will be even slower.

You probably can find the screwdrivers at those stores, though I would try Radio Shack first. If they don't have it, they should be able to tell you where to find it locally.

Hope this helps.

jokell82 · Jun 7, 2006, 07:41 PM

You don't have to push as hard as people here will make you believe. Just pay attention to how far the installed RAM chips are and be sure that the new ones go in just as far.

Lowes and Home Depot will both have the screwdrivers.

ghporter · Jun 7, 2006, 09:08 PM

Here's Apple's step-by-step procedure for adding RAM to the MacBook.

Basic rules: discharge static frequently by touching something metalic that can drain your (possible) built up charge. The metal case of a desktop computer works well, but anything that's grounded will too. Apple recommends a metal part inside of the MacBook for this.

Use the correct size screwdriver for the screw-it should fit the head precisely. Press the screwdriver firmly STRAIGHT into the screw head and maintain inward pressure while turning. They will be quite tight-they were installed with a powered screwdriver (proabably to some set torque level)-but just keep the steady, firm inward pressure applied while you turn the screw. And please remember "righty tighty-lefty loosey!" Turn the screw COUNTER CLOCKWISE to loosen it.

Handle RAM by the edges, avoiding contact with the components and circuit traces. Don't unwrap it until it's time to install it, and before you do lay the package on a conductive surface first so the outside of the package has its static drained too.

It's only daunting because you haven't done it, but crossing the street by yourself was proably scary before you did it alone, right? Don't be sloppy but don't overstress. You'll do fine.