For as long as most of us care to remember, notebook computers were limited to a maximum of 4GB of RAM. This was never a big deal, since the standard operating system was usually 32-bit based and could not address anything larger than that anyway.
But as each new generation of CPUs becomes faster and smaller, and 64-bit operating systems and applications are more widely accepted, the notebook is poised to take on tasks that, until recently, only a desktop could manage. This will require an increase in memory capacity and, while many manufacturers are stepping up to the plate to support larger RAM totals, the standard of only two available slots continues to exist.
To fill the need for this memory, Fountain Valley, California based Kingston Technology has launched a new line of 4GB DDR2 SO-DIMMs (Small Outline " Dual Inline Memory Module) which can increase the total amount of memory on a given laptop to 8GB.
Since there have been online reports that it would work, we decided to install two of these modules (KTL-TP667/4G) into a Lenovo ThinkPad T61p. (At this point, we need to note that the T61p's specifications state that the maximum RAM capacity is 4GB and Lenovo does not, in any way, officially support adding more than 4GB to this model computer).
To get full usage of the memory, reviewers then reformatted the hard drive and installed the 64-bit version of Windows Server 2008. Taking the lead of others on the Internet, we decided to create multiple virtual Vista installations using Microsoft's Hyper-V. When configured using the standard 2GB of memory that the laptop was supplied us with, the first virtual machine chugged along slowly. After we created the second VM, things really got bogged down. Although everything was still functional, nothing was really usable.
After upgrading the stock memory to 8GB using the Kingston SO-DIMMs, the notebook ran noticeably quicker. Although a blogger recently managed to run twenty-seven virtual Vista machines concurrently in a similar setup, we decided to stop at six. Even so, the VMs, as well as the server itself, continued to run with barely a drop in performance.
Desktop users will not find any of these results surprising, as most know that increased memory will more often than not speed up performance. But Kingston's new modules now make it possible for notebook users to have similar options. Power Users will be able to run number crunching, memory-intensive applications on a portable computer, which will allow many people to step away from their desks and take the work with them. Off-site projects may now be able to be completed on-site.
At $597 MSRP (for one 4GB module), the KTL-TP667/4G has a high price to swallow, but some online shopping shows it can be had for under $400. Although this is still steep, users with a need for it will probably not mind spending the extra money for the freedom it can afford them. Additionally, history has shown that prices will most likely continue to drop as production ramps up and demand increases. When that happens, we believe Kingston has a winner on its hands.
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