Populating poorly .................................................................................
One unpleasant practice of some laptop makers is populatingtheir systems
with a minimum amount of RAM and using up all available slots in the process.
For example, one model may offer 128MB of RAM and do so by placing a
64MB module in each of the only two slots under the hatch. Why would they
do something that mean and nasty? The answer, not surprisingly, involves
money. Like most everything else in high technology, newer, faster, larger
devices cost more than older, slower, smaller versions. The maker might save
a few dollars by using two 64MB SODIMM instead of a single 128MB module.
And some laptops come with one memory module soldered in place or other-
wise permanently installed, leaving only one slot for you to use in the pursuit
of enhancement. Your only choice: Buy as large a second module as you can
justify, up to the tipping point for your machine.
You’ll have to know the configuration of your machine for yourself. You may be
able to find out how many slots are available and what is installed in each by
running a diagnostic program, or you may have to open the hatch and see for
yourself. (Remember: power off, battery out, sturdy work surface, and so on.)
And although it pains me to do so, it’s not such a big deal anymore to remove
a too-small memory module and replace it with a larger one: The price of
memory has plummeted so far and so fast. As this book goes to press, a
256MB 200-pin SODIMM sold for about $50, and a 512MB version for about $95.
When you go shopping, pay attention to the price, the price differential, and
warranty. I explain each in a moment, but notice that nowhere did I mention
“brand.” That’s because — with the exception of the cutting edge of technol-
ogy where cost is not as important as performance — RAM has become a
commodity. One company’s 256MB PC2700 200-pin SODIMM is all but identi-
cal to another company’s product of the same specifications.
The not-so-deep secret is that few manufacturers make memory; many com-
panies that sell modules are repackaging or relabeling RAM made by third
parties. That is certainly the situation if you buy memory directly from the
maker of your laptop: Dell, just as an example, does not make RAM. And that
company may change sources based on supply and prices. It doesn’t matter
to you as a user.
The three other elements I suggested you look at:
Price. Pay as little as you have to, and include in your calculations ship-
ping, handling, and tax. Some companies that sell on the Internet appear
to have great prices but tack on ridiculous charges to mail a two-ounceChapter 6: Brain Matters: Memory, Microprocessors, and BIOS 85