Good, Value, cheap RAM for a Laptop

[kd2777]

Guys this is my first laptop and I am somewhat lost, I've been building my own computers for years but this little dude is a whole new ballgame for me. System breakdown:

Dell 700M
Pentium M 1.6GHz 2mb cache
256 pc-2700 RAM soon to be 1GB
40GB HDD
DVD/CD Burner
built in WiFi
Integrated graphics
12.1 WXGA screen
8Cell Battery
XP pro
Office2003 pro

I've never worked with these Pentium Ms, I don't know how to buy RAM for them. I know the Pentium4 benefits from better RAM, and that the Athlon64 works great on Value RAM, and I know that you can run faster RAM at slower speeds just fine on a desktop, but I don't know if any of these apply to the laptops. Any way I have a few questions.

Three questions:

1) Do I get more performance out of better RAM (ie Corsair XMS Low Latency or OZC high performance)
2) Will it matter if the RAM is pc3200
3) Is it dual channel, if not should I get 1*1GB or 2*512MB

Thanks

Kevin

 

[MustISO]

PC2700 is fine. 1GB is going to be expensive. You need to look at SODIMMs (200 pin) not PC type DIMMS.

 

[tfinch2]

from what i understand, Dells are pretty picky about their memory. I put a stick of A-DATA pc2700 256 mb ram in my HP notebook and it runs great!

 

[kd2777]

Originally posted by: MustISO
PC2700 is fine. 1GB is going to be expensive. You need to look at SODIMMs (200 pin) not PC type DIMMS.

I know this much, what I'm asking is. Can I use pc-3200 (oddly it is cheaper, in the "good" stuff, than pc-2700), I know the physical type of RAM, but will I see a difference in getting the $109 Corsair XMS Low Latency over the $86 Kingmax.(prices per 512 stick)

Thanks

KD