Where can I buy laptop DDR memory?

[brawnypandora0]

I bought my laptop in 2006, but unfortunately its 516MB of DDR RAM just isn't enough for me today. I want to upgrade to 2GB but I notice none of the computer stores, including big name ones like Staples and Best Buy, have any of it in stock. Why is this? Do I have to buy online?

[mips]

You don't say where you are from and you also don't provide your notebook make & model. There is DDR1, DDR2 & DDR3 SO-DIMMS types of memory but your laptop can only use one of them, hence the requirement for the make & model details.

Either way Newegg sells all three types assuming you are in the USA.
http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=381&name=Laptop-Memory

[Spice Weasel]

Also remember that clock speed and voltage matter too.

[mips]

Also remember that clock speed and voltage matter too.

You can usually buy a higher clockspeed (also cheaper) which will be clocked at a lower speed or the same speed as the current so-dimm installed.

[tadcan]

I've never tried to use it on ubuntu, but this will tell you what type of ram your machine will take and if the motherboard cant have above a certain amount. Since its from crucial they will try and sell you their product, but will give some useful information.

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

[ugm6hr]

Why is this? Do I have to buy online?

Shops stock items that they have demand for. There is reducing demand for RAM for older models.
Yes - you can buy online - and it is generally cheaper in any case. As stated by others - it depends on which country you are in.

[Shakz]

I ordered ram for an older eee pc of mine directly from crutial. I just put in my model and they showed me what was available.

http://www.crucial.com

[The Real Dave]

If you're in Ireland, memoryc.ie generally have decent deals on new RAM, though older types can be more expensive.

Ebay is great, seeing as used ram is often cheap as buttons :)

[RandomJoe]

I always use the Kingston and Crucial websites to figure out what I need, they both have good tools to select what computer / motherboard you have and will show your options. Especially helpful for laptops, where some aren't always able to make use of every size memory that came out in a given form factor.

If they have it, I will then buy from Newegg simply because that's where I buy almost all my computer gear now. But often they won't have what I'm looking for if it's for an older computer, so I wind up getting it direct from Kingston or Crucial. Bought from both, had no problems.

[Tommmnyut]

you can also compare ddr prices from shops below before you buy

http://www.pricespider.com/searchResults2.aspx?kw=DDR%20memory
http://www.onewayshopping.com/Search/ddr+pc

[johntaylor1887]

Also remember that clock speed and voltage matter too.

I doubt the OP is worried about this, as he is asking where to get the memory.....

[Khakilang]

If you have difficulty getting the RAM why not try a lightweight Distros like Puppy Linux, Slitaz, Damn small Linux or Tiny Core Linux. All this can be run with 128MB RAM. But of course it also depend on what you want to do with the laptop.