How much laptop mem?

C

cyclones9

New Member
I was just customizing my dell computer and i have the choice of:
512MB DDR2 SDRAM 1 Dimm
or​
1GB DDR2 SDRAM 2 Dimm

I will be mainly using the computer for Listening to Music, Talking to Friends VIA Messenger, Uploading pictures and working with Office (Word, Powerpoint, Etc.). Which One would i chosed based on the things listed that i do? The 512 or the 1GB?

Thanks
 
How much more is the extra 512? It will probably be better to just get the 512 from Dell, and then buy another 512 stick from ZipZoomFly.com, Newegg.com, or TigerDirect.com and put it in yourself...
 
Typically there's a little plate on the bottom of the laptop that you just remove and pop new RAM in. However, you should check out how much memory your laptop can hold. My laptop, for example, only has one slot for RAM. So if I want another 512M, I have to get a 1G chip, not just another 512M.
 
What model of dell is it? I have an xpsM140 and it has 2 bays on it each with 512 running dual channel mode i believe from what bios says lol! But I do know it has the 2 becuase i have seen both...
 
Re:

Its the Inspiron B130.. Well do i really need more than 512 for the stuff i listed in the first post that i wanted to do? I mean this desktop im on has 256 and its fairly fast... I dont have any prblems with working with office or using messenger or listening to music... THankss
 
I run 512 in my laptop and it's doing just fine without a swap file. Now, realize I really only use it for surfing the internet and typing. No games. Heh, though I just remembered I'll probably have to re-enable the swap file when I start back into programming :P

But anyway, 512M is usally plenty for basic computing.
 
The 1GB would be nice, and if they offer an upgrade to 1GB on the site, it should have 2 slots as it is. If you aren't sure you want to get it right away, that's perfectly fine, just see how the lappy goes, and if you want a little more performance, go ahead and get the other stick of 512 from Newegg, etc...
 
Does your laptop also have integrated video? If it does, that can usually use up to 128MB of the memory.
 
...but that's just a waste. My laptop can run Need For Speed Most Wanted with 16M RAM. There's no performace increase with 32m or 64M RAM shared.
 
A rule of thumb, if you can afford more memory get it. In the long run you will be happier because everyday new programs are demanding more memory. If you get it now you will be a head of the game for a little while.
 
I've had several Dell notebooks now. My first was a used CPi which I had for about 5 years. I ended up selling it to a friend about a year ago and its still working for her. As a matter of fact she took it this week to Myrtle Beach on vacation. She loves it.

I replaced the CPi with a Dell D505 and upgraded a year later (Because I could) to a Dell D510 and I haven't had any problems with it. I have a notebook just because. I don't really need it but its fun to have when I'm on the road. I use it for basic Office functions, internet surfing, eBay and lots of multi media stuff like MP3/ watching DVDs and downloading lots of other crap like watching the Red Sox live games on MLB TV.

If I had a bigger need for a laptop and in a more demanding environment I would go with the Panasonic Tough book. I've had the pleasure (because of my job) to play around with these, along with others and their durability can't be beat. In almost 5 years I've yet to have to replace a broken screen on a tough book.

Hope this helps
 
I have a dell laptop that is almost 6 years old and still runs like a charm the battery has been replaced but thats common with this amount of age and use it has. My gf's dad has a 4 year old one and its still like new too it is all in how u take care of it and how you treat it. The better you are with it the longer it will last for you.
 
cyclones9 said:
So what do u think is the general lifespan of a dell laptop??

Thansk!
Click to expand...

That still depends on the laptops environment. In my company Dell laptops last 3 to 4 years. My personal Dell lasted 5 for me and is still running for the new user. Note: I got it used.

Also keep in mind that program needs will also play a part in the life of the laptop. If in a year or so you upgrade a program you have or get a new program that you NEED the hardware might not support it. Example: Vista. I tried loading it on my laptop and it crushed it. It took two days to recover.

These are all just points to consider and they can apply to almost all brand. I would aso try to stay with the name brands if I could. The back end support on a Dell (for example) is most likely be better then some no name company you never heard of. No offence to those no-name companys. I'm sure there are a lot of people on this forum that have those types of laptops but for most of us (me) a laptop is a huge investment and I need to make sure I get my moneys worth.

Do I like Dells? Sure do. I'm on my second one plus I have had many dell PCs too. That should say something. I also can see other companys that have features Dell doesn't have or that Dell lacks.

I have had a Panasonc Tough book rattling around in the trunk of my car for almost 3 weeks now. I see it sitting there just about every day yet I don't take it out. Why? Lazy? Yes but I also know when I do all I need to do is dust it off and she'll work like a champ. My Dell would never be able to do that.

There are a lot of things to consider when looking of a laptop. I hope at least some of what I said helps.
 
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