Hey i am going to upgrade my laptops memory from 512mb to 2gb.
I was thinking of buying two 1gb cards, so on the chance one breaks i will still have 1gb remaining.

But after reading my manual, I have discovered that one memory is on the bottom of the laptop that can be unscrewed and another one is behind the keyboard which is not changeable unless you go to "a laptop servicing shop".
Trying to do it yourself will void your warrenty and may potentially break it.

So what should i do?

A) buy two 1gb cards and go to a shop hoping they can install it.

b) buy a 2gb card and install it.

I am leaning more to A, since if one card breaks it wont be entirely slow.

although the 512mb card is under the keyboard so if i get the 2gb card i would have 2gb and 512mb installed which would be faster.

comments/opinions/advice is needed.

I would just get the 2 gig stick. RAM are usually pretty tough, unless you toss them out a window, put in a garbage disposal, etc. The shop would probably charge you some ridiculous amount just to install the other stick, and I really doubt it would be worth it. Just don't break your RAM, and you'll be fine.

As long as you get a decent stick of RAM (read: not generic, look for brands like Corsair, etc.) it should stay on it's feet for the life of the laptop.

EDIT: Annnndddd, I just realised that doesn't apply to laptops as they have to get their RAM from the system manufacturer. In my career as a computer tech, I've never once seen a laptop come in with faulty RAM. The stuff they use is usually pretty high quality.

ok i will probably get the 2gb RAM

Keep in mind that if you are seeking performance, go with 2x1gb sticks. It will be faster than a single 2gb stick.

What kind of computer do you have? If it is a Dell you can do the change without voiding your warranty (not sure of other brands tho). It's an easy thing to do too. If not I would say grab the 2gb because its worth it. Is your 512mb stick in the expansion slot (under the laptop) or under the keyboard? If it's under the keyboard you get the added bonus of having 2.5 GB.

I upgraded from 2 to 3 GB in my Dell Inspiron E1405 and love the change it made.

RDP

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please check that your laptop will recognise a 2GB memory stick

It is hard to "break" a ram stick... Always get the most ram you can put into a stick, so maybe later you can buy another 2gb stick and end up with a 4gb system rather than 2gb...

2Gig its unlike your RAM will break and the charge u will recieve off taking it to a laptop repair people will be rediculous

especailly since if you have confidence and know anythign about laptops / repairs you could do the install yourself within 5 mins

its a toshiba satellite m100, it can hold 4gb.
the 512mb is under the keyboard.
i checked the acessable RAM spot and it is empty.
I dont know if i could change the RAM myself, but in the manual it says it can break it and it WILL void my warrenty.