I recently decided to upgrade the memory in my Macbook; I learned a few valuable lessons along the way, which today I’m going to share…

Background

When I originally purchased my second generation (Core 2 Duo) Macbook, I decided not to buy additional memory for two reasons.

Firstly, this was my first Mac; my experience of Linux suggested that I wouldn’t necessarily need the same amount of RAM that an equivalent windoze PC would require for similar performance.

Secondly, I noticed while configuring a new Macbook on the Apple store, the cost to upgrade from the standard 512MB, to 1GB is much more expensive than the cost of a third party 1GB memory kit.

Macbook memory modules

Macbooks have two slots for DDR2 677MHz SODIMM memory modules; also known as PC2-5300.

Note: PC2-5300 is the correct name for modules that conform to DDR2-667 specification. Some manufacturers have opted to call their modules PC2-5400, the reason for this appears to be nothing more than windoze over-clocking culture; some claim they have tested their memory to a higher clock speed.
To all intents and purposes, PC2-5400 is the same as PC2-5300.

Dual Channel

When the Macbooks memory slots are populated with identical pairs of SODIMM modules, the Macbook will attempt to operate in Dual Channel mode. Dual Channel mode may provide a marginal overall speed improvement, perhaps up to 10% in some cases.
The risk is this; if the modules haven’t been properly matched (in every possible way – not just the specs you read on the box) then the computer may not operate correctly; you may end up with a spontaneously rebooting Mac.

In order to avoid this, you should avoid using two, apparently same memory modules that weren’t sold by the manufacturer as a matched pair.

Mix and Match

Using different sizes of memory is OK. You will sacrifice Dual Channel, but this is probably not a big deal. The speed improvement from adding memory is way bigger than the speed improvement provided by Dual Channel alone.

For example, let’s say, like me, you currently have a matched pair of 256MB sticks.

Let’s say I have two options, I can either,
a) Buy a matched pair of 512MB SODIMMS, resulting in a total memory capacity of 1GB, or
b) Buy a single 1GB SODIMM stick, replacing one of my existing sticks, resulting in a total memory capacity of 1.25GB.

Under most circumstances, option b) will offer the most benefit.

The performance improvement of an additional 25% memory is nearly always greater than that of having a matched pair, and Dual Channel.

What to do?

At the time of writing, a 2GB kit (the maximum my Macbook will address) is available from Apple for $440 AU.

My favorite local computer store will sell me a Corsair 1GB PC5400 SODIMM for $36 AUD. Wow!

Corsair have a memory configuration utility which lists my Macbook as compatible with this memory – however a bit of Googling reveals that since there is no pair-matching, buying two of these particular SODIMMS is risky (there are reports of random reboots).

I suspect if I only wanted one (keeping one of my 256MB sticks), they would be fine.

So I did a bit more research, and found that one of Apples own memory suppliers is also my favourite: Crucial.

So, I have ordered a matching-pair (2x 1GB), for a grand total of $75 including UPS shipping (from the US) to Australia.

At those prices – why wouldn’t I upgrade!

Available directly from Crucial.com

As mentioned previously, the firefox web browser was the first thing I installed on my new macbook.

There are a couple of fullscreen plug-ins available for Firefox, but I’ve found by far the best is Fullerscreen by Daniel Glazman.

Fullerscreen is easy to install, simply go over to Fullerscreen at Mozilla Add-ons, and hit the install button.

Once installed, the plug-in adds a little icon to the bottom right hand corner of the statusbar. Clicking on this icon engages full screen mode….

I note that the author states that this plug-in does not work on mac, my testing has found that the shortcut key’s (f11) don’t work, but the status bar button works a treat!.

I reckon it’s way better than the default f11 Windoze version, 5 stars, Highly recommended!

Tip: To exit fullscreen mode, click on the same icon. if the statusbar isn’t displayed, click anywhere on the menu to bring it back.

1. Firefox web browser

Now, you must understand that I spend many of my waking hours on the web, and I’ve spent several years of my life building web applications and websites, sometimes I feel like I practically live inside the tubes of the Internet!

I’ve heard Camino is great, much more mac-like, and I vow to give it a try… but as a developer I can’t live without my Firefox plug-ins. If you haven’t tried Firefox yet, it’s FREE give it a go today!

2. Skype

If Skype is a game-changer, then Skype on a macbook sets the benchmark.

Incredibly easy to install, out of the box Skype works with the built in iSight and microphone, no tweaking with soundcards and drivers like our poor Windows cousins.

Within minutes I was having a live video conversation with my friend across the globe, no hands, no headset – this is how it’s meant to be! (If only it was full screen!)

Next I made a call to my domain name provider in the US (I’m in Australia), I just typed their normal 1-800 telephone number into Skype – and the next thing I know I’m talking to them – all for free!

Skype works on any platform, and their international call rates are very low… it’s the cheapest way I know to make international calls.

If you haven’t already, now is the time… give it a go today!

A successful first day with the Macbook : )

Initially I had a few reservations…

Firstly there’s the lawsuit over the display!

Then there’s the reports of chronic overheating, listed among a plethora of other faults at appledefect.com.

Could I continue to function as a human being without Microsoft Office? Will there be a viable alternative in this new world of OS X? (the answer is Yes!)

My last notebook was a Dell Inspiron which I’ve had for three years, and I have to say it’s been excellent. It’s gone wrong a couple of times, but the Dell three year warranty is amazing. A couple of emails is all it takes to get Dell engineer to turn up at your home or work with a replacement part and your up and running again.

Another reservation about Apple is the warranty; you have to send your precious computer away should it need repair. Let this be a reminder to me to be more religious with my backups!

I’m buying a new computer to go traveling.

I’m taking a 4 month mini-sabbatical, half of which will be around Eastern Europe. My 17″ widescreen Inspiron simply had to go!

I needed a small, light notebook with an international warranty. It must be good for Skype, programming, updating websites, storing digital photos, web browsing and a little bit of spreadsheets and word processing.

I particularly like the macbook for a number of reasons. The built in isight and mic is excellent for Skype – Initially it’s quite bizarre using your laptop as a hands-free phone (this is way cool).

The display, despite claims to the contrary, is actually pretty good. Although it’s by no means ultralight, it is a fairly light weight notebook, and it is very thin.

The DVD burner, standard 1GB RAM, 160GB disk and 2.16 Core 2 Duo processor are impressive specs for such a small machine (no wonder it gets hot!).

All this seems pretty good value already, but Apple also throw in iLifr 07, which includes the excellent iPhoto (ever seen iPhoto for windows?), if you’re at all musical Garage Band is hours of fun

But what finally clinched me, was the Front Row remote control. At the touch of the shuffle-like remote control button, your desktop graciously falls away to reveal a media center interface to iTunes, iPhoto, a DVD player and Quicktime to play your movie files.

All this and a solid Unix based OS to boot?

I’m going on holiday, and I’m taking one of these with me.