Most laptops these days use DDR memory and that's better used in pairs. 2x256 is not only cheaper than 1x512 but faster.

So I take it that this means that where a system has only two memory slots, 1 x 256K + 1 x 512K should not be done, as it is inefficient. So must do 2 x 256K OR 2 x 512K to properly upgrade memory.

You folks are mixing and matching technology.

Any machine that supports Dual Channel DDR should have dimms allocated in matched pairs. If it doesn't support dual channel DDR, then you can (and often should) just buy it with 1 dimm, depending on how much they charge for the upgrade to 1 dimm. (Sometimes it's not worth it, then you go with the 2 dimms and throw one or both away when it comes time to upgrade.)

-David

David, I don't know what a "dimm" is (unless its the proper term for a memory slot?). (thus, I don't really understand your answer to my question)

Wikipedia or google are your friend

A dimm is a memory module.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DIMM

TYVM, Expat!

Sorry, didnt look at the ibooks because the recomendation and link were for the powerbook specifically

Sorry .. DIMM stands for Dual Inline Memory Module. In laymens terms, it's a memoy module. A memory module consists of a bunch of memory chips, and some control circuitry around them, all on a small circuit board module that plugs into a memory slot on a computer.

-David

since we're talking about laptops here, keep in mind laptops take sodimm modules (small outline dimm)

OK, so armed with the info and insight I've picked up from your comments, spent the past two days shopping.

Was able to firmly reject some suggestions from salespeople who were pushing things I didn't need at all; and get some rational recommendations for systems in my price range.

So, I am trying to wade through the info I have gathered on several systems and narrow down choices from the following:

Toshiba Satellite M55-S135 PC Notebook
Toshiba Satellite M45-S165 PC Notebook

Compaq Presario V2310US PC Notebook (w/AMD Turion 64 Processor ML-28)
Compaq Presario V2311US PC Notebook (w/AMD Turion 64 Processor ML-28)
Compaq Presario V2306US PC Notebook

HP Pavilion DV1310
HP Pavilion DV1040 (refurbished)
HP Paviliion ZE series notebook

Again, any comments or suggestions anyone may care to make regarding any experience or ideas about any of these choices would be appreciated. TIA

It'll pretty much all come down to pricing and esthetics of the machine. I've posted it a 1000 times, but I love my HP DV1040 series. Not a big Toshiba fan anymore. You really don't need (or want) an AMD Turion CPU at the moment.

Why not?

I have been planning to replace both desktop and laptop. Do I need to make both choices at once? Are there compatability concerns?

I'm planning on XP Home, have basic DSL, only use wireless by-the-day sometimes when away, and need the two machines to somehow communicate. (Currently I use dial-up from the laptop and email accumulated laptop material to myself when I get home. That's sufficient.)

Laptop use is word processing, writing email (which I send at home), sometimes using an htm editor (for reports which I upload from home). Most important is weight, and a keyboard on which I can touch type.

Desktop is similar, a bit more software, etc. I don't do music, movies, ... I do get frustrated with slow web access, so memory matters, ...

I'm looking at the Sony T series, Averatec 1040 and Panasonic R4 for lightest laptops, have not at all made any choices for desktop (that seems just a box), have a keyboard I like, use a track ball which I might upgrade, and will purchase a flat screen monitor which I haven't researched either (past ones after looking at several, have been Sony).

And I guess upgrading most of my non-Microsoft software too.

Input?

Sylvia

One of the things I love about my HP is its docking station:

http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/sh...e=PA399A%23ABA

It turns my notebook into a full blown desktop machine. It can also hold an additional hard drive. Can be found on Ebay for around $150.

In the case of the two Toshiba models I am looking at--the only real differences that I see in the specs are for the chipsets.

Both laptops have Intel Celeron M 1.5GHz w/processor #370; 400MHz FSB. But one chipset is ATI RADEON XPRESS 200M IGP, while the other chipset is Intel 910 GML.

Can anyone tell me what is the difference, if any, between the two, and, in the long run, how will it matter?