i don't know much about computer hardware. i know i want to upgrade memory in my laptop (IBM T60) and I don't know anything more.

i know there are sites that tell me what I need, but i wouldn't mind if some computer experts (squanto and cross) could give me a quick run down of what the specs really mean, what speed is good for what (like if the best speed is mostly suited for playing online games, I don't need it), and maybe a recommendation of a model that they like or something.

like i said, i have an ibm t60, it has 1 gb of RAM, i run XPsp3, and i don't do any gaming. i use the internet regularly and watch youtube and stuff.

so, if you can help, please do.

I'd go to newegg and use their memory finder tool; it will let you find memory based on your exact system. If I'm not mistaken, a T60 is kind of old; your max is probably going to be 4Gb memory.

You're probably going to go with something along the lines of PC2-5300 CL5 DDR2 SDRAM SODIMM memory.

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Honestly, another GB of RAM is all you really need. Like J here said, use Newegg's memory finder tool and pick out a 1GB chip to plug in. Should be good to go.

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mechaphil

no i know about the memory finder tools and stuff, and i know my computer takes 4gb max, but only can run 3.25, so i want to get a 2+1 thing.

i asked those questions because i want to know what the specs mean.

Well.....with a laptop, you're locked into the RAM your motherboard will support. Look it up and buy it, not much else to discuss
One thing to consider is whether you already have a stick of RAM (of any size) in your expansion slot. Open it up and check, because you may be doing subtraction before addition...like remove a 512Mb stick and replace with with a 2Gb stick for a net gain of 1.5Gb.

With WinXP and no gaming, my gut tells me you're probably fine with 1Gb...why do you think you need more?
Unless you're running out and your machine is swapping from disk (which would make your computer come to a crawl) adding more RAM isn't going to boost your performance really.

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Hold my beer and watch this...

what do the different speeds for RAM really mean? is there a big difference from middle of the road to top of the line?

Yes and no.

Memory speed really only makes a significant difference with specialized memory intensive applications. For what you're doing, browsing / youtube stuff, it's not going to make a difference.

Your machine is only going to support up to a certain speed anyways(which is likely what's in it already). I'm with cross, and say you leave it alone. Also like he said, it will depend on what you got in there. If you have 2-512's in there, and you really want to see if you can improve it, buy one 1 gig, and replace one of the 512's. Most likely you'll see no difference and have wasted your money. As for the quality of the ram, for gaming you want good ram, but in your case, I'd try to match the brand you already have in it.