How to Buy RAM for Your MacBook Pro

Random Access Memory, popularly called RAM, is the memory your applications employ while running on your computer. The more RAM, the faster your applications operate. If you find that your applications open and operate slowly, you most likely need more RAM. Here's how to buy it for your MacBook Pro.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• MacBook Pro

Instructions

Choosing the Right RAM

1. Consider the applications you use. Think about what applications you use regularly and will be using in the future, and determine the amount of RAM you need. As a rule, you need more RAM for multimedia applications.

2. Make sure that the RAM you choose is compatible with your computer. Check the number of slots available in your MacBook Pro. Generally, two slots are available and both accept SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory) module.

3. Keep in mind that the 15-inch model and the 17-inch model of MacBook Pro have different configurations. The 15-inch model has two variations. One runs at 2.16 GHz with 1 GB memory and the other runs at 2.33 GHz with 2 GB memory. The 17-inch model runs at 2.33 GHz with 2 GB memory. Select the RAM that suits your requirement. Ideally, choose a RAM that fits your system configuration.

4. Note that the maximum amount of memory you can install in your MacBook Pro is 2 GB, using 1 GB DIMMs (Dual In-line Memory Module) in the both memory slots.

5. Search the Internet using Google or Yahoo for the products and brands. The best option would be to visit Apple's Web site. Here you will see all products with the latest features that are appropriate for Mac models.

Purchasing RAM

1. Plan you budget. Find prices of different brands offering similar RAM types and sizes. From Apple, select the best RAM that suits your requirements and budget.

2. Ask for discounts. Many authorized online dealers offer RAM at reasonable rates.

3. Browse online auction Web sites such as eBay, uBid.com and Overstock.com (see links, below). You may find great deals at auction sites.

4. Compare the prices of different brands offering similar RAM types and sizes. Check out online buyers' guides such as Epinions, Nextag and MySimon (see links, below). These sites offer a comparison of various RAM chips and list vendors and prices.

5. Buy RAM from retailers such as Circuit City or Best Buy (see links, below). You can also visit any of these stores and learn more about your options.

6. Talk to the store's technical expert or customer service and buy the best RAM chip that suits your computer.

7. Choose a payment method. When buying online, you will most likely have to pay by credit card or through PayPal (see link, below). Verify the authenticity of the Web site before purchasing online. Look for the "lock" symbol in the status bar and if you roll your mouse pointer over it, it should state, "128 bit encryption."

Tips & Warnings

• Check the manufacturing date when buying. The warranty period often starts from the date of manufacture.

• Do not compromise on quality in order to save a few bucks. Buy the most reliable RAM.