512 MB or 1GB

Is there a big difference? I will be surfing the net, playing music and DVD's and a little word processing.

Also, if it says 1 DIMM, does that mean only 1 memory slot?

 

Yes there is a difference. I recommend 1GB because 2GB is becoming the norm these days. Well..... 512MB is still enough for browsing and word processing however in my opinion the cost difference is not worth the performance drop. If you are planning to use Vista in the future then 1GB is a must.

1DIMM means the memory you order is plugged in to one slot, 2DIMM if it utilizes both slots (Dual channel mode).

 

If you are using it only for the tasks you mention, then 512MB RAM should be sufficient, although most laptops these days have at least 1GB.

1 DIMM means one stick or module of memory is used, that is, a single 512MB module. Most notebooks have two memory slots.

 

You should notice a difference when going from one thing to the other, especially if your laptop has integrated graphics.
1 slot being used means you are using only one of 2 slots.
Go with another 512mb, try to see if you can get the same brand and model # for dual channel to work properly.

 

Your laptop will be alot faster when getting information

 

windows xp will eat up around 350 to 450 just for its self depending what apps you have installed, 1 gig is the minimum in my opinion for a smooth system, unless you like thrashing hard drives, when you run out of ram, the system turns to the hard drive for virtual memory, and its sssllllooowww going

 

I agree with most here get the 1GB dimm, your system will run smoother.