Elizabeth Spall:
i Hi, just want to get my ibook running at lightspeed. was thinking of upgrading to 512MB but not sure whether that entails just buying another 256 or going the whole caboodle and buying 512 MB of ram to go with the 256 in my computer already.
It would help to know exactly which machine you have. All iBook G4s come with at least 256 MB of built-in RAM permanently soldered to the motherboard, and contain a single empty slot for an expansion module. Ordering options include memory added to the expansion slot before delivery.
On the other hand, some PowerBooks have two slots with no permanent memory. Depending on the original ordering options, the RAM can be added to an empty slot, and/or the original RAM can be replaced with a larger capacity module.
i Basically what I am trying to say is whether you just add what you are going to buy to what you have, or if you have to replace what you have with what you buy.
It sounds like you only have an original permanent 256 MB. You can add 256 MB, 512MB, or 1GB modules. The type of memory needed isn't so clear unless you can specify which iBook G4 model you own. My guess would be a 200-pin PC2100 module - unbuffered and non-ECC.
i Also, where's the best place to buy RAM?
I like Crucial for their product quality and compatibility guarantee if you use their "Memory Advisor". However - you can get the exact same memory from third party suppliers. If you're not 100% sure that a certain module is going to work, I'd recommend buying from a retailer with a guarantee of compatibility and/or a generous return policy. Newegg has great prices on Crucial RAM, but you have to be darn sure that it's going to work, as they charge restocking fees and offer no technical support. Also - sometimes RAM that carries all the "correct specs" don't work. Some Apple machines can be finicky about memory.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302333
