What is Computer RAM: Memory Selection Tips and RAM Explanation
What is computer RAM? Notebok computer RAM stands for Random Access Memory which gives the processor access to the information required to run programs on your notebook. RAM is a temporary storage area in your notebook that helps to determine how many programs you can run at the same time and how much data can be provided to each of those programs at any given time. In general the more memory you have the faster your notebook will run and the more applications you can simultaneously have open. More notebook computer RAM will also allow your notebook to efficiently run at the maximum resolution possible.
Notebook computer RAM is like a hard drive except it's much faster and only stores data temporarily. Programs on your notebook are stored on your hard drive, but when an application is started it gets loaded to the RAM. If too many programs are loaded at once the RAM gets bogged down and the virtual memory in the hard drive kicks in to
Notebook computer RAM is like a hard drive except it's much faster and only stores data temporarily. Programs on your notebook are stored on your hard drive, but when an application is started it gets loaded to the RAM. If too many programs are loaded at once the RAM gets bogged down and the virtual memory in the hard drive kicks in to
try and support the overload. Hard drives are known for their storage capacity not their speed. You want your programs to run on notebook computer RAM and not the hard drive's virtual memory. To ensure this happens it is critical to choose the right amount of RAM for your personal computing needs.
I would recommend buying a notebook computer with at least 512 MB RAM. New laptops with 256 MB RAM are becoming a thing of the past. As notebook prices continue to fall we will likely see 512 MB computers phased out as 1 GB becomes the standard minimum we see offered for new notebooks. I have a notebook computer with 512 MB RAM that works great for web surfing and the minimal amount of file saving/downloading I do on it. If all you need is a basic wireless notebook that can efficiently perform simple tasks like web browsing, email checking, and downloading/storing a reasonable amount of files, then 512 MB will do just fine for you.
If you're a video gamer or will use your notebook computer to work on large files or with complex applications then you should consider upping your laptop RAM to at least 1-2 GB. You will be able to run more programs at the same time, enjoy better/smoother graphics, and work efficiently with large or complex projects related to business, school, or home finances. Here is a rough guide to how much memory you should consider for your notebook computer:
Web surfing, email, and basic word processing or spreadsheets: 512 MB or more notebook computer RAM
Large files(i.e. music or video) and complex productivity applications: 1GB or more notebook computer RAM
Video editing and digital image creation/editing: 2 GB or more notebook computer RAM
Serious video gaming w/ 3D graphics: 2 GB or more notebook computer RAM
Back to Notebook Buying Tips
Back to Best Notebook Computer Deals Home Page
I would recommend buying a notebook computer with at least 512 MB RAM. New laptops with 256 MB RAM are becoming a thing of the past. As notebook prices continue to fall we will likely see 512 MB computers phased out as 1 GB becomes the standard minimum we see offered for new notebooks. I have a notebook computer with 512 MB RAM that works great for web surfing and the minimal amount of file saving/downloading I do on it. If all you need is a basic wireless notebook that can efficiently perform simple tasks like web browsing, email checking, and downloading/storing a reasonable amount of files, then 512 MB will do just fine for you.
If you're a video gamer or will use your notebook computer to work on large files or with complex applications then you should consider upping your laptop RAM to at least 1-2 GB. You will be able to run more programs at the same time, enjoy better/smoother graphics, and work efficiently with large or complex projects related to business, school, or home finances. Here is a rough guide to how much memory you should consider for your notebook computer:
Web surfing, email, and basic word processing or spreadsheets: 512 MB or more notebook computer RAM
Large files(i.e. music or video) and complex productivity applications: 1GB or more notebook computer RAM
Video editing and digital image creation/editing: 2 GB or more notebook computer RAM
Serious video gaming w/ 3D graphics: 2 GB or more notebook computer RAM
Back to Notebook Buying Tips
Back to Best Notebook Computer Deals Home Page
BNCD Home Page
Notebook Deals Blog
Notebook Buying Tips
Where to Buy Notebooks
Notebooks under $500
Notebooks under $1000
Notebooks over $1000
Small Notebooks
Full Size Notebooks
Large Notebooks
About the Webmaster
Contact the Webmaster
Computer Trends E-Zine
More Computer Links
BNCD Site Map
Notebook Business
Notebook Deals Blog
Notebook Buying Tips
Where to Buy Notebooks
Notebooks under $500
Notebooks under $1000
Notebooks over $1000
Small Notebooks
Full Size Notebooks
Large Notebooks
About the Webmaster
Contact the Webmaster
Computer Trends E-Zine
More Computer Links
BNCD Site Map
Notebook Business
Notebook Deals Blog - Visit Now
Search the Computer Deals Guide Network
Computer Trends
Monthly E-Zine
- New Technology
- Industry News
- Price Trends
- Laptop Deals
- Desktop Deals
Monthly E-Zine
- New Technology
- Industry News
- Price Trends
- Laptop Deals
- Desktop Deals
More feed reader options
Bookmark or share this page
