There are a few programs that could tell u how many slots ur using. One such one is CPU-z. It would give u quite a lot of info, but check the 'Memory' tab when running it and it should tell u how many RAM slots are being used.
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
The download link around top left should do it

Installing RAM is also pretty easy, provided that u have easy access to ur empty RAM slot (when i say easy...i mean u dont have to take the keyboard off or something to get to it. On mine i just have to take off one screw and remove one flap on the bottom of my system.). Just google for a guide thatll instruct u how to install RAM, since u have to slide it in at an angle and then press it down (gently :P). Remember to keep urself grounded...or u might end up damaging ur system.

DDDa
Nice informative post.
I was especially interested in the RAM section, as I'm in the market for new RAM in my Dell i6000.
The explanation of latency was helpful, it's usually not a subjuect that is adequately adressed.
If you choose to update the post, could you also address the physical form factor of these RAM memory modules. I now know that I need a 200 pin as opposed to 240 pin which is typically for deskops.
Some may be confused when they see different brand names assosiated with one module. For instance Super Talent and Samsung. I now understand that this means that Super Talent has used Samsung chips to make their module.
Does a matching pair of modules really matter?
What does Buffered/Registered mean? Does it matter?
Most merchants only show CAS latency. Is that what matters most?
ECC?
Some merchants list the chip configuration on the module (like this, Size & Bit: 128Mx64/64Mx8, or this 64x16, or this 128 x 8 ). Is one of these better than the other? Does it matter?
These are some of the specifications that make a newby boubt themselves when shopping for a RAM upgrade. Knowing what to look for would make me alot more confident in my purchase.

Thanks for what you've already posted. And thanks in advance if you attempt to update this post.

nice bit of info

thanks for the info, much appreciated.

i found this guide EXTREMELY informative. i have always tried to look for the best buy for my buck but have been in the dark to a great degree about what the specs actually mean. You explained it to the degree i needed where i could understand but gave an actual explanation.

i know this is almost a year after this guide posting. so can you tell me if there are higher standards now. thanks a billion

thank you!!nice article

_________________________---
tomorrow is another day
iphone video converter

This is the 2nd version. I asked the mods to erase the 1st some years ago because it was not complete and was focused too much on daily standards. Since I foresaw my "busy" days ahead (which is today), I tried to keep this one somewhat "timeless", with only a few mentions to standards of a given time. However, I know it is somewhat outdated exactly on the items I couldn't not mention those same standards, and many other things I could actually add (Flash based HDDs, LED backlighting, all those cool new things).

Expect a major revision in the near future.

i'm sure the n00b5 will get a kick out of this one.

!peace!

Yet, not always!!! :\

This is good information, thanks. I think it will help beginners a lot. However, I do want to add in an extra 'factor' to consider when purchasing your laptop.

That would be 'brand name'. I hate to say it, but many of the less known brand name laptops also equate to poorer quality. I won't name names, but that is the truth.

What I can say is some of the better brands of laptops I've seen over the years: IBM (now Lenovo), Dell, Acer, Sony and Apple.

Thank you for the feedback.

To tell the truth, I disagree. Generally speaking, a brand is not equal to build quality, and that's why I prefer to take it into a model-by-model basis. According to my fairly limited experience, there are many "brands" making awfully bad designed notebooks, while still keeping their "top-tier" models, which are indeed good and well designed. And let's not forget the old OEM x ODM issue.

I'm loyal to no brand. I can name bad models on all those brands you told me. Maybe not really bad ones on Apple, because they have what? 3 main models? (std, Pro and the Air)... And even then the model argument plays a role on that (Apple deliberately doesn't focus on budget notebooks --- theoretically accounts for worse build quality --- for known reasons).

The true item that I didn't tell explicitly was the build quality. Perhaps I will include such item someday. Also, as a footnote, there is one brand that I really respect when it comes to well built notebooks. Curiously enough, you did mention Acer, but not Asus.