Apple Store RAM Pricing?

[kwikdeth]

Can anyone explain to me why it costs $150 to add 512MB of DDR266 RAM to an iBook G4, but $300 to add the same memory to a 12" Powerbook G4?

[neonart]

Not sure why it shows up like that... but don't bother getting RAM from Apple. That's what www.macseek.com is for. Do it yourself or find a geeky friend to do it. It does not void warranty, in fact Apple sends instructions on how to do it with your iBook or Powerbook.

[virividox]

because apple is crazy and tries to make money off ram hehe. are you sure they have teh same type of ram?

[johnnyjibbs]

Apple likes to put a premium on the RAM at its store so that unsuspecting buyers get conned when they really ought to have put more RAM in to start with. (I think all machines should come with 512MB).

It's a cheek that on the 15" PB and the iMac you have to pay a lot extra just to get the soldered on RAM upped from 512 from 2 256MB modules to 1 512MB. Sure, it costs Apple a teensy bit more to use one module rather than 2 but, when you think how much Apples cost... sheesh :rolleyes: :D

[edesignuk]

Any Apple RAM = BIG FAT RIP OFF!!!! :eek: Just stay away from it, crucial.com is also a very good source for memory.

[johnnyjibbs]

I second crucial.com. That's where I got mine from. It's really high quality too.

[neonart]

I agree. Even though macseek.com has great prices crucial.com has a reputation for quality and reliability. I usually buy my RAM from crucial too.

[johnnyjibbs]

There are some really good deals too. I paid £71 for my 512MB PC2100 RAM in January, now the same module is only £61. The 1GB chip has gone down to £230 from £400-odd as well.

[jxyama]

Originally posted by johnnyjibbs
Apple likes to put a premium on the RAM at its store so that unsuspecting buyers get conned when they really ought to have put more RAM in to start with. (I think all machines should come with 512MB).

It's a cheek that on the 15" PB and the iMac you have to pay a lot extra just to get the soldered on RAM upped from 512 from 2 256MB modules to 1 512MB. Sure, it costs Apple a teensy bit more to use one module rather than 2 but, when you think how much Apples cost... sheesh :rolleyes: :D

the worst thing is that to add one 512 MB to iBook G4 costs $150 but adding the same RAM to the 12" PB costs $300 according to Apple. (this was the point of the original post, i believe.)

pretty ridiculous stuff, i'd say. (i checked because i couldn't believe anyone would do and get away with this.)

[jrv3034]

It really is absurd, especially since it's the same RAM. I guess they figure if you can afford the more expensive notebook, you can afford to pay more for their RAM. Don't get RAM from Apple; Crucial.com is great.

[johnnyjibbs]

Originally posted by jxyama
the worst thing is that to add one 512 MB to iBook G4 costs $150 but adding the same RAM to the 12" PB costs $300 according to Apple. (this was the point of the original post, i believe.)

pretty ridiculous stuff, i'd say. (i checked because i couldn't believe anyone would do and get away with this.)
Yes, they charge more for the PowerBook RAM upgrade and it is the same, but it is not possible to upgrade the RAM on the motherboard of the 12" PB or the iBook (which comes with 256 and 128MB soldered on respectively), so there is no point in getting any more Apple RAM because you can't upgrade the max RAM limit there and then. E.g. if you could have paid extra to upgrade the 12" PB motherboard RAM from 256 to 512 MB, I may have obliged, as this means my 512MB module in the slot would have upped the RAM to 1GB instead of 768.

[telecomm]

It costs more because the iBook ships with 128 MB solder on, 128 MB in the free slot. When they add RAM, they pull the 128 MB module, and thus recoup some costs. In the 12 inch PB, there's 256 MB of RAM soldered on, so when they another 512 MB module, there's nothing to take out.

[dudewheresmymac]

the reason is simple many people who use macs do not feel comfortable putting in their own RAM so apple feels that they can put a premium on the prices and the people will still buy it

[jxyama]

Originally posted by telecomm
It costs more because the iBook ships with 128 MB solder on, 128 MB in the free slot. When they add RAM, they pull the 128 MB module, and thus recoup some costs. In the 12 inch PB, there's 256 MB of RAM soldered on, so when they another 512 MB module, there's nothing to take out.

sure. but it's still absurd that they are basically charging $300 for a 512 MB stick AND giving you $150 for a 128 MB stick. bizarre... :confused:

[insidedanshead]

General rule of thumb, Order LOWEST amount of RAM possible, then go to COMPUSA when they have really good rebates and get ram..

I just got PNY 512 PC2700 for $39.99! and an 80 Gig Seagate drive for $49.99.. awesome deals.