A question for the computer-educated folks out there...

[Chukie sue]

Howdy. I'm currently in the process of purchasing a cheap laptop. I have a few questions about ram:

1) Do I need to have a professional install the ram for a price? Or can I do it myself? (two questions in one, deceptive)

2) Can ram "stack" upon another? Let me explain. It my laptop has 1gb ram already, and I wish to install a 1gb chip - does it then total 2gb? Or do laptops have one slot if you will for ram?

Thanks! If it helps your willingness to answer, I'll be a girl! Just one of the benefits of a unisex username.

[Randomness]

1) RAM installation in general is simple (Open slot, push in, latch, more or less). However, the space constraint of a laptop leads to drastically different motherboard layouts than in desktop computers, so it may be more difficult to get at the slots (For one, they're probably at shallow angles and overlapping, rather than side by side sticking out). Also, working inside the guts of a computer does require attention to static electricity (Hell, they even make special wristbands for it, though they aren't necessary). You'll have to decide for yourself on this.

2)RAM stacks additively. Two 1 GB sticks gives 2 GB of RAM. The only limits on this are how many slots there are on the motherboard and your OS. A 32-bit OS cannot use more than 4 GB of RAM (Since it can't assign addresses past 4 GB). How many slots your laptop has available depends on the motherboard and the configuration of your currently installed RAM.

Oh, and DIY work inside your computer will most likely void any warranty on it.

[Kion]

1) Installing RAM is really easy. Most laptops have a panel you can unscrew and then all you have to do is stick it in there.

2) Depends on the laptop. Some already use up all the slots. And be sure to get the right kind of RAM. It would help a lot if you posted which computer you were buying.

[Chukie sue]

Thanks guys.

I was leaning towards this one, HP Compaq 6910p:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290595824309?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649#ht_2848wt_1270

How can I determine whether this ram is compatible?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2GB-KIT-PC2-5300-667MHZ-DDR2-MEMORY-RAM-PC5300-2-x1GB-/220815803790?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3369a5c58e#ht_591wt_1270

[Chukie sue]

Unless you guys think this is a better one:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HP-NC6320-Core-Duo-Laptop-2GHz-3GB-RAM-DVD-RW-120GB-/260837997019?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item3cbb27f9db#ht_572wt_1270

Looks like it to my Layman's eye, and cheaper too :O

[Kion]

Both of these computers already have 2GB of RAM which is more than enough for everyday use. You're looking at pretty out dated computers. Are you looking for something for Word and internet?

For a point of reference, new computers are down to around $300, which will generally have better specs than old computers (as technology improves) and come with a clean install of windows 7.

Here's an 11.6 inch Acer Aspire for $330 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215127)
It has 2GB of RAM and a 250GB hard drive. The viewing angles on the screen are not very good from the side, but it's a cheap computer you can carry around and watch youtube on.

If you want something bigger,
this is a 15 inch Acer computer for $330 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834215114). It has a fast CPU, and 3GB of RAM.

Both of these have larger hard drives, and better graphics than the computers you mentioned. But like I said it's a point of reference. Depends on your budget and what you plan to use them for.

Looking on ebay: this seems like a good deal.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-Latitude-D820-1-83Ghz-4GB-Ram-60GB-HDD-Win7-/330602258726?pt=Laptops_Nov05&hash=item4cf96e2126#ht_5426wt_894 for $220. Just be aware that the battery is dead and you're either going to have to keep in plugged in or track down another battery.

[Chukie sue]

Thanks! I ended up purchasing that second laptop I posted. I pretty much just wanted something competent to study/use youtube on until I scrapped up enough money with minimum wage to purchase something a bit nicer.

I found out that the computer I purchased has two slots for ram, so if I wanted to max it out at 4gb ram I ought to buy a 2gb unit rather than one. You've been a great help - thanks!