How much ram?

[Terzo]

I tried searching, but apparently it is borked.
I remember reading the most recent anandtech system guides, where they recommend 4 gigs of ram simply because it is (was) so cheap.
My current system is running 4x512 ddr ram, and I don't feel handicapped by it. I alternate between windows 7 and ubuntu, and mainly use the internet, document editors, media capabilities, and an old/low power game every now and then (the most recent games i've played are mysims and prey).
I am in the process of putting together a new office machine to replace the old dell we have. Honestly, I refuse to pay the current ram prices and have turned to craigslist to purchase ram on the cheap. I figure I can live with 2 gigs of ram, with the option to add in more if prices drop to a more reasonable level next year.
My two questions are as follows.
1. Do you think 2 gigs is sufficient for office work (the only caveat is it will use 785g integrated graphics, which can "steal" memory if I understand it correctly.)
2. Given the current prices for ram, would you still recommend 4 gigs of ram unhesitatingly?

 

[Yuriman]

DDR3 is cheap and getting cheaper; DDR2 is not as cheap and gets more expensive each day.

You'll notice a difference moving up from 2gb, but you're certainly not handicapped if you don't play modern games.

 

[Blain]

2GB's is plenty for "office work" even with some of it shared with onboard graphics.

UNLESS, you have an ungodly number of apps running in the background, like antivirus, antispyware, system backup, more and more and more...

 

[Terzo]

Thanks for the input. I'll be utilizing two gigs for the foreseeable future.