RAM at apple store

[ero87]

Considering upgrading the 512 MB in this MBP to 1 GB, but i'm wary about messing things up/getting a "bad stick." I kinda just wanna take it into the Apple Store and have them do it for me. They do that right?

My question is 1. Do they do that? 2. How much more expensive is that then ordering 3rd party?

 

[Peyton]

Considering upgrading the 512 MB in this MBP to 1 GB, but i'm wary about messing things up/getting a "bad stick." I kinda just wanna take it into the Apple Store and have them do it for me. They do that right?

My question is 1. Do they do that? 2. How much more expensive is that then ordering 3rd party?

Yes, they will do it, it depends, but it could cost about 2X as much.

Most people here will say NO DO IT YOURSELF but I tend to just let them do it, not worry about any mentioned problems, your paying for convenience, but, thats why fast food is so popular

 

[Doctor Q]

Peyton is correct.

New memory from a reputable 3rd party is almost almost fine. If not, you usually (not absolutely always, unfortunately) know it right away and can get it replaced. And Apple does charge much more than 3rd parties, because they can get away with it.

I've gotten extra RAM from Apple when I purchased a new Mac from Apple, so it would come already configured that way, even though it cost a bit more, but if I add memory after the fact I always get it from crucial.com.

 

[iGary]

Just remember, if you ever have issues, and have to go to bat with AppleCare about it, one of the first things they will ask you is if you have third party RAM...that said, I can't afford 8GB of Apple RAM...if it doesn't break the bank it might be worth your while down the road to get the Apple RAM.

That, and if I can install RAM in a PB, anyone can.

 

[jsw]

MBP RAM is very easy to upgrade. Cake. I'd strongly recommend having someone upgrade a mini for you, but the MBP is not a problem.

Crucial is fine. I've had very, very good results from OWC.

 

[Deepdale]

Despite the inflated price premium for Apple RAM, I've decided to pay to have it installed at the store as part of a future custom order. One of my concerns is that I will strip the tiny screws and kick myself for some time to come. With many problems being related to memory sticks, the anticipated peace of mind will be justification for me.

 

[TexBiker]

Is the iMac easy to upgrade, as well? I have a 20" Intel iMac with 1x1GB arriving early next week and I'm beginning to think I should add another 1GB stick, just in case I ever need it.

 

[CanadaRAM]

Yeah, it's really easy - there's a hatch on the bottom, and the RAM just pushes into the slot. That's it.

Edit... standard disclaimer - read the instructions first, not responsible for user error or if you are all thumbs, large blunt instruments will probably void the warranty, yadda yadda....

 

[TexBiker]

Yeah, it's really easy - there's a hatch on the bottom, and the RAM just pushes into the slot. That's it.

Great. Thanks for the info!

 

[Ryan5505]

Superdrive

What about installing a superdrive in a powerbook. I want to upgrade my rwcd/dvd player to dvdrw. The apple store said they did not do upgrades, but I have seen that you can purchase superdrives? Is it a wise investment, and does this void the warranty, can I install it?

 

[CanadaRAM]

What about installing a superdrive in a powerbook. I want to upgrade my rwcd/dvd player to dvdrw. The apple store said they did not do upgrades, but I have seen that you can purchase superdrives? Is it a wise investment, and does this void the warranty, can I install it?

It'll void the warrnty - the optical drive, unlike RAM, is not a user-installable part.

There are companies (google for them) who will take your Powerbook, install the new drive, and ship it back to you. But you are looking at about $300

An external Firewire DVD-RW would be cheaper and less risky. Burn your DVDs at home, burn CDs on the road.