Crucial difference?

Hello all,

I'm new to the forum (been lurking for a while), and am starting to convert from Wintel to Mac for my home computers (or, it appears, Mactel eventually). My first step in this transition is a new notebook for my son who is starting college this fall, and as a result I just today ordered a new 15" PB (yes, I was waiting for the infamous July 7 announcement before I ordered).

I was looking on the Crucial web site at 1GB SODIMM prices to upgrade the RAM when it arrives, and discovered something interesting. If I simply look up a standard 1GB PC2700 200-pin SODIMM the part shown is CT12864X335 with a price of "X" (I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post prices here). If I go back and use the Memory Advisor(tm) and put in the appropriate Apple PB information, it leads me to a different part number - CT434058 - with a price of 1.4*"X". The specs on the two parts look exactly the same, i.e., 200-pin SODIMM, DDR PC2700, 128Mbx64, Unbuffered, Non-ECC, 2.5V, CL2.5. Why is the "Apple" part 40% more expensive? I realize that the latter part is supposed to be guaranteed to work with my machine, but is there really any difference between the two?

Just curious.

Allen

Thanks for the responses. Yes, I had read the sticky note, though I didn't remember it specifically mentioning this issue. I had also looked at the Kingmax memory at newegg.com. I usually check out Crucial since their prices for normal memory aren't all that bad - the 1 GB stick in question is about $30 more than the Kingmax, but their "Apple compatible" is $80 more.

Anyway, good to hear my suspicions were confirmed. I'll probably give the Kingmax a try and post my experience later.

Allen

Ordered the Kingmax memory from Newegg - I'll report back when I get the PB and try it out.

Thanks again.

Allen

Just to close out this thread topic, I recieved the PB G4 15" yesterday, as well as the Kingmax SODIMM's (2 x 1GB) from Newegg. After charging up the PB and letting it run until the battery was out (to calibrate it), we took the battery out and installed the memory. Everything looks fine - it recognized the memory and no lock-ups so far. It was not obvious to me at first how the memory modules were stacked on top of each other, or how the clips worked since there was only one module in there originally. The instructions in the manual were not as good as they could have been - a few closeup pictures would have helped. Any, looks like there are no problems so far.

There was one wierd thing that did happen, though. After we installed the memory and booted up, the system clock was reset to Jan 1, 1969 and a warning came up to inform us that it had changed. Does this sound like a normal occurance, or something I should worry about? I can't imagine changing the memory should affect the clock settings. Perhaps the discharged battery? Anyway, thought I'd ask about that. BTW, I did use an antistatic mat that was grounded and made sure I grounded myself before touching anything inside (I've put together several home-brewed Wintel PC's in my day, so I know about ESD precautions).

Allen

Kakaze - thanks for the explanation. I guess it was just the unusual order in which I did things that caused it to happen, since I replaced the memory in the middle of calibrating the battery, and removed the battery to do so while it was drained. It does appear to be working all day today without issue.

Allen

If it's any consolation:
me <----- broke!!

This was my son's high school graduation present, which he will be taking to college this fall. Anyway, after spending $2k+ on a 15" PB, what the he!! - might as well spend another $200 and trick it out with RAM now and be done with it. Besides, my other son wanted the 512MB SODIMM that came with it to upgrade his Gateway. Am I a great Dad, or what? Who says you can't buy love!!!

Allen