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JonnoBrown · Oct 3, 2006, 03:15 PM

I'm going to apologise in advance for this appallingly noob-ish question....

If I want to purchase a new Macbook, and I want the 2GB RAM, do I have to buy the Macbook, then upgrade manually, or is it possible to just buy the thing already loaded with the 2GB RAM?

Sorry, if it's a dumb question, but I would really appreciate an answer. Thanks

Elektrix · Oct 3, 2006, 03:22 PM

You can configure a MacBook from store.apple.com with 2GB of RAM, but you pay a huge premium for Apple RAM (it costs $450 for their 2GB RAM upgrade).

You are much better off buying a stock MacBook and buying the RAM elsewhere, where you can get the same ram in the $200-250 price range. Installing RAM in the MacBook is incredibly easy to do, so it's worth the savings.

Live10 · Oct 3, 2006, 03:23 PM

Yes you can buy it loaded with 2GB of ram, but its going to cost you a lot more because Apple is somewhat expensive with there ram. I suggest you buy a Macbook with 512MB of ram, and then purchase 2GB of ram in newegg.com. Its going to be much cheaper.

JonnoBrown · Oct 3, 2006, 03:26 PM

Okay, thanks very much for the answers

My concern is I'm British, but I live in Cairo, Egypt, where stuff like this is basically impossible to get, so I'd have to hop over to England to get the Macbook, but I'm not sure if I would have time to also stick in some RAM :S Especially as I have no idea how to install RAM. I suck.

Elektrix · Oct 3, 2006, 03:30 PM

It's really quite simple; check out this video:

Tech Center at OtherWorldComputing.com

cwosigns · Oct 3, 2006, 03:31 PM

The RAM for the MacBook is EASY to install. You just need a small screwdriver. I put mine in myself last night, and got two 1 GB sticks of RAM for $160 each. So now my MacBook is MAXED OUT! w00t! It's fast.

JonnoBrown · Oct 3, 2006, 03:50 PM

Watching the video now, elektrix. It really is simple! That's a load of my mind. Thank you to everyone who took the time to help a silly noob

hookem2oo7 · Oct 3, 2006, 04:11 PM

wow...i'm jealous after going through the horror of upgrading the drive in my ibook

cruisereg · Oct 4, 2006, 12:16 PM

When you upgrade yourself, you have spares! My 60Gb stock disk now sits in an external enclosure. I doubt I'll ever use the 2 256Mb SODIMMs, but if I ever need them, they are there.

MacDuff · Oct 10, 2006, 03:43 PM

cruisereg, what external enclosure did you get for your stock 60Gb HD? I've been looking for a decent one for a while.

Dubloseven · Oct 11, 2006, 03:39 AM

get the 2 gigs of ram. i ordered 2 sticks a few days ago from newegg.com and installed them tonight, and wow is my system fast and smooth now! I was running mail, safari, ichat, itunes, iphoto, photo booth, word, and parallels with xp all at the same time with no noticable lag.

moral of the story: do it, its sweet.

Nivag · Oct 11, 2006, 05:39 AM

depending on where you'll be in the UK - you could ring one of the independent apple dealers before you leave Cairo and get them to get the cheaper Ram - they will fit it for you for a price, but it should still work out cheaper than getting it from Apple direct.

these two are based in London

http://www.squaregroup.co.uk/

http://cancomuk.com/

hope that helps

Originally Posted by JonnoBrown

Okay, thanks very much for the answers

My concern is I'm British, but I live in Cairo, Egypt, where stuff like this is basically impossible to get, so I'd have to hop over to England to get the Macbook, but I'm not sure if I would have time to also stick in some RAM :S Especially as I have no idea how to install RAM. I suck.

cruisereg · Oct 11, 2006, 09:37 AM

Originally Posted by MacDuff

cruisereg, what external enclosure did you get for your stock 60Gb HD? I've been looking for a decent one for a while.

I don't have it with me right now, but whatever it is, I don't suggest it! It works fine unless you are moving lots and data, the HD thermal shutdown/pause kicks in. I'm looking for another case that either has a fan or a much better enclosure. I went for super cheap and got what I paid for

Elektrix · Oct 11, 2006, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by cruisereg

I don't have it with me right now, but whatever it is, I don't suggest it! It works fine unless you are moving lots and data, the HD thermal shutdown/pause kicks in. I'm looking for another case that either has a fan or a much better enclosure. I went for super cheap and got what I paid for

It's on the pricey side, but looks pretty nice:

OWC Mercury On-The-Go 2.5" FW800/USB2.0 Encl... (MSTG800U2) at OWC

MacDuff · Oct 11, 2006, 11:10 AM

Thanks for the reply cruisereg. I almost went with a cheap one without a fan or other manner of cooling but your reply convinced me that not jumping on it was a wise move.

Elektrix....that enclosure looks awesome! I like that it has both USB 2.0 and Firewire 800 connections as well as a heatsinks and pass-through vents. I have just ordered one. Thanks for the link!

C.A.T.S. CEO · Oct 12, 2006, 07:12 PM

2 Questions:

Does having 2x512 MB of RAM = 1GB slower than just 1 stick of 1 GB RAM?

Who's the most reliable maker of RAM? Good experiences?

Macintosh Sauce · Oct 12, 2006, 08:40 PM

Crucial is excellent for memory. I have used them for years without any problems whatsoever.

tomasboudr · Oct 17, 2006, 05:13 PM

buy the barebones and upgreae the RAM yourself. and the HD too!

I got 2x 1gb sticks for 86 each... Lower prices on computers, servers, computer parts and electronics than anywhere else! Pricewatch.com... use this for any HD or memory buying and you will be surprised at how cheap stuff is.

Screwball · Oct 18, 2006, 07:01 AM

Hi!

What's the paying method, when ordering from newegg? Can Mastercard do the trick, or is it only on-delivery?
Thx

jasonsRX7 · Oct 18, 2006, 09:47 AM

Originally Posted by Screwball

Hi!

What's the paying method, when ordering from newegg? Can Mastercard do the trick, or is it only on-delivery?
Thx

You can pay with any major credit card. I'm running 2gb of Patriot ram I got from Newegg in my Macbook and it runs great. Even going from 1.5gb to 2gb was a noticible improvement.

aritwik · Oct 18, 2006, 01:50 PM

Do I lose my 3 year warranty if I purchase one aftermarket and install it myself. A quick question to the apple rep guy at the apple store revealed yes I do!

Any clarifications?