laptops

[Baz]

something Ive never done all the years ive had computers, i find this hard to believe myself, is fit some memory to a laptop.is it straight forward, good types to buy/stay away from, places to buy from.Im guessing its similar to pc's

[Lance]

Its something I've never done either, purely because I've not ever had the need. Depending on the make and model, it should be simple enough. I remember years ago we had an old laptop with the ram under the keyboard. Fortunately, these days in most cases there will just be a screw to undo on the bottom of the laptop which will reveal the ram sockets. I think crucial and kingston are fine and all of the usual places should stock it. I know ebuyer does!!!

A lot of sites have compatibility checkers which guarentee a compatable selection, although I would just check this by using something like SIW.

[Glenn]

It's normally very straightforward Baz, what make of laptop is it? Most mordern laptops, have a slot on the back, with another under the keyboard.

[Ray]

I've done it on my Acer Aspire 5003, Baz, that was fairly straightforward, if you're upgrading you'll need to replace the existing ram though as both sockets are usually filled. I normally run the checker tool available on the Crucial site when I'm looking to buy ram, that will scan your Laptop and offer you a choice of compatible modules.

[Baz]

 just had a quick look and it seems to be underneath its a  toshiba satellite pro L300D. at the moment it has 2GB fitted.

I know I will have the info that came with it, last year, but it will be stashed away in the loft and cant get in at the minute

[Baz]

ah yes crucial checker  forgot about that     

[Ray]

I know I will have the info that came with it, last year, but it will be stashed away in the loft and cant get in at the minute

That sounds like my Garage, Baz. 

[Baz]

    that'll be why I cant find it here  Ray, its in your garage.

post it on for me mate 

[Glenn]

Don't forget Steve's wire and my charger too.

[Ray]

  that'll be why I cant find it here  Ray, its in your garage.

post it on for me mate 

Well I haven't seen it in there, Baz, nor Steve's wire or Glenn's charger. 

[Baz]

Don't forget Steve's wire and my charger too.

Aye Ray's getting quite a collection........I think we should pay him a visit 

do you sell on EBay Ray ??

[Lance]

Here you go, Baz

http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/index.aspx

edit: on vista, once you've downloaded the file you need to right click and run as admin

[Baz]

  Lance. off to try it now

[Baz]

 

how much??    forget it

[Baz]

ok then is it best to use one or two sticks. if two is it best to buy a matched pair

OR  could I leave in whats there and just add to it

[Glenn]

What OS are you using Baz, a 32 bit OS can only access around 3.2 - 3.5 Gb?

[Baz]

yeah its Vista 32 bit Glenn AMD Athlon X2 Dual core QL-62  2.00GHZ    if that helps

[Glenn]

So unless you are planning on installing XP 64, or W7 64 bit, then buy 2 x 2Gb.

[Baz]

Thanks Glenn. 2 x matched pair would be best I guess?

[Lance]

Most likely

I was looking in the week to go from 2gb to 4gb as I though memory prices had dropped quite a bit, but was surprised the upgrade would cost me about £75, no matter which retailer I  buy from (price fixing  )

I did find on 7dayshop some cheaper stuff which would cost about £50 but for now, at least, I think I'll stick with what I've got!

[Sebby]

It's more likely that the memory chips themselves are only made by a handful of manufacturers, so prices are fairly static.

[Rik]

Which is something you don't want around a memory chip.

[Sebby]

Quite.