If Your Mojo Is Too Slow, Get Some Ram Air-Flow!

When I bought my Toshiba Satellite, I also purchased that "Roxio Easy VHS to DVD 3" software package that included the USB to RCA adapter because I have a hundred pounds worth of VHS tapes that need to be converted to DVD or flash. Really, I need to get rid of that crap, but I just can't bring myself to throw those old movies out.

Anyway...


So, I purchased the Roxio software and attempted to install it on the Toshiba. It took more than thirty minutes to get the software to install. Then, after three attempts (and after it finally installed), the program wouldn't do anything. Wouldn't load. No logo. Nothing.

Then, after a little more than an hour, it started working. But, the video on the computer screen kept "freezing" and going blank although the VCR tape kept playing.

I never got pissed because I had hopes and KNEW I would eventually get the software to work. And I didn't expect much of the Toshiba anyway since I knew it had the bottom line processor in it. But, later, I realized I had just wasted two hours of my life screwing around with that crappy computer when I could've been doing something more productive.

And, the software still doesn't work 100%. It still "freezes" sometimes.


And, I've read the reviews on the Roxio and according to half the people that have used it, the program sucks like hell, so I'm not fully blaming the Toshiba. But, that laptop still just isn't fast enough.


And, it doesn't handle multitasking much better than my old Dell Latitude. That old Dell Latitude loads apps and webpages just as fast. AND, I can have a multitude of programs open and multitask without any drama.

I can watch a movie, type, have my Internet connected, have Microsoft Word open, have my notepad open, use Microsoft Paint, and download two or three movies as I'm watching a movie. And, I can still step into the kitchen to cook a light meal without worrying about my system crashing.


When I try that with the Toshiba, I get "jet-lag" and pop-ups telling warning me of high CPU usage. It's not as bad as the Acer - which constantly warns me of "low virtual memory" - but it's still pitiful. I don't like pop-ups and I don't like opening and closing programs. I like instant access. So I keep a lot of programs open. When an idea or interest hits me, I want to be able to use the app immediately. I don't want to click and wait for it to load. So, this Toshiba is starting to piss me off.

But! Could more RAM be the answer to my prayers?

I went online to Amazon.com last Wednesday and ordered some more RAM since the Toshiba is expandable from 4 GBs of memory up to 8 GBs, and the postman delivered it today (on Monday). I ordered the after-market brand, Kingston, but the reviews were good, and so was the price. Wal-Mart couldn't even beat the price - $74.00 versus $28.00.


I ordered Ram earlier from Amazon.but it was the wrong module. It was my fault because I read the description wrong. So, I had to go back to Amazon.com, re-order, and wait a few more days.

But, I'm in business now, baby...

Product Description: Kingston Technology 4 GB Module 1333MHz DDR3 PC3-10600 204-Pin SODIMM


Part Number: KTT - S3B/4G (Toshiba Part Number: PA3918U-1M4G)

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And, I'm gonna install that Ram Power tonight! 


The same day I bought the Toshiba I went on Toshibadirect.com and matched the Ram module replacements I needed, and the description of what that Ram could do had me hooked! After reading the first few lines of benefits, my mouth was watering like hell to get my hands on that Ram memory. I was sold.


And, if this upgrade does what Toshiba Direct claims it will do, I'm definitely gonna give my Acer netbook a power boost.

And, I'm gonna make a "Before and After" video and possibly post it so be on the look-out for that. Hell, you might want to get you some more Ram yourself after you see the horsepower I'm about to bring to the table.

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Product Description From the Toshiba Direct website:

Adding more RAM memory to your computer will give you a significant gain in system performance, quicker boot-up and the ability to run multiple programs simultaneously. When you need to increase your RAM memory, get the same Toshiba memory modules that were installed in your computer. Toshiba memory is designed and tested to ensure optimal compatibility with Toshiba laptop and All-in-One computers.
Based upon your needs and the types of applications you use on your computer, including the configuration of your devices and peripherals, the amount of memory needed will vary. The more power you expect from your computer the more memory you'll need. Installing the maximum amount of memory in the slots will give you the best overall system performance. If you have an older computer, adding some RAM memory can help lengthen the life of your computer before replacing it with a new one.
Features:

• Increase your computer's performance with extra memory
• The same modules installed in your computer at the factory
• More memory can actually increase your battery life
• Allows more multitasking which saves time and hassle
• Custom designed for your specific Toshiba laptop and All-in-One model
• Toshiba tested, guaranteed 100% system compatibility and reliability
• Backed by a limited warranty with renowned Service and Support from Toshiba
• Adding more memory is one of the least expensive ways to help boost overall system performance

Specifications:

• Maximum data transfer rate of up to 10667 MB/sec (Max.*)
• Memory clock: 166MHz
• Cycle time: 6 ns
• I/O Bus clock: 667MHz
• Data rate: 1333MT/s
• Module name: PC3-10600
• Peak transfer rate: 10667 MB/sec
• Dimensions and weight: 2.67” x 1.26” x 0.12”; 8 grams
• One year standard limited warranty

Notes:

*Data transfer rates vary and are often less than the maximum possible.
**DDR3 modules are compatible when mixed with lower speed DDR3 modules, but will default to the lower speed.