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rampguy · Dec 8, 2003, 06:22 PM

I need to upgrade to at least 1 GB of RAM (I have a single 512 MB module in my 15" Al).

What kinds are generally safe? I once had a bad experience with some copycat RAM, but Apple isn't even a RAM OEM anyway.

I didn't get 1GB with the computer from Apple because they were charging something like 3-4x the market price.

What place has the best prices online? Anyone have any luck with non-"Apple" (Samsung, right?) RAM?

-Alex

nagromme · Dec 8, 2003, 06:38 PM

Brands I've been happy with for Apple products: transintl.com and Other World, eshop.macsales.com

I've seen others recommend crucial.com

A company that specifically knows Mac models and RAM specs, and offers a lifetime warranty, is what I'd always seek.

Also, dealram.com is a price finder.

vancenase · Dec 8, 2003, 07:23 PM

> www.crucial.com

TheIceMan · Dec 8, 2003, 08:26 PM

I've heard good reports about Crucial. That's where I plan on buying my RAM upgrades.

bgordon · Dec 8, 2003, 08:38 PM

transintl.com

They were super about me returning the original bad-specs-from-Apple RAM that they originally sent me, and the new 512 MB stick they sent out has worked perfectly. Plus, competitive prices.

krux` · Dec 8, 2003, 09:09 PM

Just got some ram from memorytogo.com, put it in, and wow, yes the difference is quite noticable ; )

RGB · Dec 10, 2003, 01:52 AM

Originally posted by krux`:
Just got some ram from memorytogo.com, put it in, and wow, yes the difference is quite noticable ; )

Have had great customer service, in addition to very good prices from Other World Computing (I second the post recommending them above).

http://eshop.macsales.com

Guy Kuo · Dec 10, 2003, 04:30 AM

Other World Computing was once one of my favored recommendations. However, despite THEIR website recommended 512 MB RAM for my 1 GHz 12 Inch Powerbook aluminum turned out to be incompatible, OWC insisted upon and charged a 15% restock fee. It seems policy is policy and it doesn't matter if their own product was at fault.

Thumbs down OWC taking care of a past customer.

slider · Dec 10, 2003, 06:37 AM

I had bought memory from crucial as a replacement for memory I bought from Coast to Coast Memory. The ram from the latter worked fine unless I was using Automatic or longest battery life from the energy control panel. The Crucial memory has been great, no one single glitch since I installed it. You'll pay a few bucks more, like $30, but it's totally worth it. I paid $122 for my 512 chip.

janmc · Dec 10, 2003, 07:42 AM

This should be a sticky - lots of people are asking about RAM.

anaphora68 · Dec 10, 2003, 08:28 AM

I agree that this should be made a sticky.

I just got a 256MB module from 18004memory and I have had no problems with it in my 15'' Aluminum (1 GHz and combo drive), everything works like a charm.

Datamem is also good. OWC has been having some issues with selling RAM that does not work with Panther.

BenN · Dec 10, 2003, 12:25 PM

Another vote for Crucial.

I've bought RAM from them 4-5 times now, and never had a problem. Fast delivery, reliable RAM.

Not the cheapest, but you get what you pay for in this case......

joe · Dec 11, 2003, 09:47 AM

I've dealt with Crucial.com before. Their products are excellent and they were a pleasure to deal with. But I wanted a 1gig upgrade and they don't list any for the 15" Al PowerBook (yet).

So I bought a 1gig memory upgrade for my 15" Al from TransIntl.com. This is the 1st time I've dealt with them. The upgrade shipped right out and I've had no problems since installing it a few days ago. TransIntl.com also threw in a freebie - a twin fan notebook cooler with integrated 4 port USB hub. It tilts the PB keyboard at just the right angle and keeps things cool even during heavy number crunching. It's also bus powered and folds small enough to fit into my notebook case. Of course the cooler would be meaningless if the memory upgrade didn't live up to expectations. But the upgrade performs perfectly and the added cooler is a truly useful and welcome bonus. I'd buy from TransIntl again.........joe

MacFreak · Dec 12, 2003, 01:56 PM

Another for Other World Computing...though I bought the TechWorks brand of 512 MB versus OWC's...no reason other than I've purchased TechWorks before without any issues.

Shipped out same day and received as scheduled. Popped it in and booted up without any issues.

Vi0 · Dec 13, 2003, 03:06 PM

PNY has great memory available at any local CompUSA or Bestbuy that works in Apple laptops.

todrain · Dec 13, 2003, 10:28 PM

Did RAM prices go up? It costs more now to buy a 512k PC133 chip than it did in April!

StiZeven · Dec 14, 2003, 12:40 AM

Since Apple uses Samsung RAM (as well as other OEMs) in the PowerBook line, I play it safe and use Samsung as well. I have a 15" PowerBook coming and if it's flawless and I decide to keep it (shame we have to worry about these things), I am going to buy two Samsung 512MB Sticks from Memory Suppliers for a mere $99 a piece. I also have my PC loaded with Samsung memory and it's been a real gem. Here is the link (I've dealt with them many times without a problem):

http://store.yahoo.com/memorysupplie...1pc33200p.html

gfourdoor · Dec 14, 2003, 08:11 PM

In the past three years, the only RAM I have purchased has come from OWC. A total of about 4 GB worth of RAM has all been the OWC brand as well. Not one piece has been faulty.

I can say without any reservation... OWC are good people to deal with.

naderby · Dec 15, 2003, 11:35 AM

I was thinking of buying the 15".

What I don't get is that there is 2 options for 512MB RAM. Either 1 stick of 512MB or 2 sticks of 256MB.

If I get the 2 sticks of 256MB will I still have room for a 512MB stick afterward?

joe · Dec 15, 2003, 03:13 PM

Originally posted by naderby:
I was thinking of buying the 15".

What I don't get is that there is 2 options for 512MB RAM. Either 1 stick of 512MB or 2 sticks of 256MB.

If I get the 2 sticks of 256MB will I still have room for a 512MB stick afterward?

No, because the 15" (and 17") PowerBooks have 2 memory slots. So if you start wtih 2 sticks of 256MB and buy a 512MB later, you'll have to remove one of the 256MB sticks. You'd end up with 768MB total. That's the reason Apple charges more for the single 512MB stick vs dual 256MB sticks.

s0litude · Dec 15, 2003, 07:00 PM

Holey moley! They are selling 1GB memory sticks for $525. Expensive, but tempting. Very very tempting...

echosphere · Jan 21, 2004, 12:10 PM

Thanks StiZeven!

I have just placed my order for two 512MB sticks. Thanks for the link, best price by far at $99! Better than OWC el-cheapo RAM.

Cheers,Echo

Guy Kuo · Jan 21, 2004, 05:57 PM

OWC relented after some e-mail exchanges and agreed to refund the restock fee. They are back on my recommendable list.