Just wondering whether I should spring for the Samsung branded memory for my powerbook. It's a 12" 1.5ghz model. I'll be using my powerbook for Virtual PC with XP, chatting, surfing, docs, light stuff I guess. If I go for a third party vendor, will I get the same performance as the samsung brand?

Hi Applelover

All Mac compatible RAM will perform precisely the same in your Mac. There is no speed diffference between brands because your Mac will run them at 333 MHz CL3.0 regardless. The one exception to this is old-design modules that use TSOP construction -- these run hotter and consume more power than the current MBGA construction. You are looking for a module that has 16 small (3/8" square) chips on one side of the module - that's MBGA. If you see 4 or 8 larger chips on both sides, with visible connectors along the long sides of the chips, that's TSOP and should be avoided for 1 Gb modules.

Some people like the Samsung, because it is the brand Apple uses for 1 Gb Powerbook modules. But a good, tested and guaranteed module from Infineon, Micron, Nanya or Siemens will be as good. Just make sure you choose a reputable seller who guarantees compatibility with your model Mac.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com