[esc]

I'm going to get a G5 after the January announcements, but was wondering what luck people have been having with the "free" ram deals you see in MacMall, MacZone, etc ...
Two people I know have had serious problems - particularly with G5s. Is this common -- has it hit you.
In both cases getting the ram replaced was a problem.

[doggdamac]

That, plus the fact that it's not really free, since they charge you 30-40 bucks for installation, for something you can do yourself, in what..... about 30 seconds /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[Grant_G]

Depending on the amount of "free" RAM offered, however, it can still be a bargain. No problem with my wife's free RAM in her iMac -- now over a year old. It was purchased from ClubMac IIRC. They're a branch of MacMall, so returns etc., can be iffy. Very bad customer service reputation there.
G

[kms007]

I personally prefer to install my own RAM, simply because I worry about how the service techs will treat my brand-spanking new machine before I receive it. For all I know, I'm sure they are careful when they handle new computers, but hey, I'm picky like that.
Krishna

[stroudtx]

I got "Free" RAM with my PowerMac last year from Mac Mall and it failed after 6 mo. or so. Luckily the aftermarket RAM company was here in Dallas, so I was able to exchange it. Mac Mall would not warranty the new RAM. I bought my PB directly from Apple using our EPP even though I could have done about the same without Tax and got free RAM. I just figured it wasn't worth the hastle. Buy name brand RAM. It's worth it!

[Rcovell]

When I bought my current iMac almost 4 years ago, it came with a free RAM upgrade from MacMall. I've not had any problems with it. A few years back there was a problem with machines not recognizing added RAM and someone had a program you could run to check your RAM. I had mine checked and it passed with flying colors.
I realize it's been 4 years and a lot might have changed, but, my RAM has worked just fine. As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about a new 17" widescreen iMac and the free RAM offer is very enticing.
Bob

[GlennBlaylock]

As far as I am concerned, those free RAM offers only really make sense if the installation fee is within the neighborhood of what you would pay for the RAM if you buy it separately.

[Grant_G]

Exactly, and that's why I worded my reply as I did. A $39.95 installation fee for an extra 128 stick doesn't make much sense, since you can buy it for that or less. But that same $39.95 for a 512 stick is a bargain. Oh, and all reputable RAM manufacturers offer lifetime replacement warranties on their RAM, so in general, the brand doesn't really matter as long as you have at least heard of them.
G

[doggdamac]

Well, I agree that $39.95 for 512mb is sweet price, however, it's still NOT F R E E
Why they think they should be allowed to charge that much for a mere 30 seconds of their time is beyond me ! I mean, we're not talking about friggin rocket scientists here, now are we /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
I think this borders on bait & switch and should be forever illegal......if it says "free" then thats what it should be, period! No ifs, ands, or butts, hehehe /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif