Upgrade DIMM

[nclark]

I have received a RAM upgrade DIMM from Expansys, and something's not quite right.

Firstly it seems too small. It's not wide enough for the whole slot and the notches don't line up. It's definitely smaller than the 16Mb RAm module from the Series 7. Are the slots for the rwal Netbook smaller than for the Series 7?

Secondly the instructions don't seem right. They show a Series 7/netbook but suggest the "RAM upgrade DIMM" should be fitted under the left-hand DIMM cover. My understanding is that the personality module goes here (at least on mine) and the RAM goes under the right-hand cover.

The instructions (ref A6131002001) are copyright Psion PLC 2000 and seem to be the genuine Psion article. The Item No on the box is MDA-PSI-6005, and also has the words Netbook 32Mb Upgrade DIMM with a date 01/02/02. The chips re stamped Copyright Psion 1977 (isn't this a bit early for the netbook?).

Can anyone shed any light on what I've got? I can obviously return it to Expansys but some information for them on what's required would be useful. I ordered it to go in the netbook even though it's going in a 7book, but I don't think that would make a difference.

Puzzled.

[netBookBabe]

I'm currently awaiting arrival of a DIMM for my netBook (not 7Book) and my understanding is that it definitely goes in the left-hand side. That's where the empty slot is! So, Nick, I would have thought your netBook personality module should be in the right hand slot.

Whilst on this topic, does anyone have any guidelines for me for installing the DIMM in the netBook? Is it as straightforward as it appears?

Thanks
Julie

[nclark]

My empty slot is the right hand one. The personality module is in the left-hand one (as you look at the screen). I'm wondering if I installed it correctly, although I'm sure that's the way it was when it was a plain old Series 7, although having just checked the manual it does say the left is for RAM and the right for ROM. I guess the module just doesn't care.

Anyway, the two slots are the same size and pinout (or are they on the netbook?), so the issue about the RAM I've got remains.

[netBookBabe]

I see what you mean, Nick, the slots do appear to be the same size. Not much more I can say until I received my DIMM (not from Expansys, btw).

Can't imagine what's going on here, but it rather sounds as though they've sent you the wrong item - it wouldn't be the first time! Goodness knows what it is though. I should give them a call, if I were you.

Julie

[Braveheart]

Julie,

You asked for instructions for upgrading DIMM. Here is a link for the Psion 7 DIMM upgrade instructions.

http://newth.net/psion7/install-dimm.html

I assume it is the same for the Netbook but I am not sure. It is very simple to get to cover off just put a very small screwdriver gently on the little depression on the cover and ease the cover forward.

The only other thing I would say is that you should take antistatic precautions. I usually just plug myself into the earth wire of the mains but a safer and more sensible way is probably to wrap some wire round a copper pipe of a radiator and attach it to a ring you are wearing or just touch an earth point (radiator pipe before, during and after to keep yourself free of charge when handling the DIMM module.

With kindest regards,

Dave

[netBookBabe]

Thanks for your reply, Dave :) . It wasn't really instructions I was after, just wondering if there were any netBook-specific pitfalls to watch out for, or whether anyone had experienced any problems - it's my natural paranoia getting the better of me! The DIMM arrived this afternoon, so that will be my project for tomorrow - I'll let you know how it goes.

Just about to send you a PM on a different topic, btw - so check your inbox.

Julie

[WolfUK]

The memory upgrade goes in the left hand slot as you look at the screen so I would surmise that Nick has the personality module in the wrong slot! Swap it over to the right hand slot, put the memory in the left hand slot and you should have a 64 MB netBook (or 7Book!).

Dave is right that the 7 instructions on Eirik's site apply as much to the netBook as the do to the 7 or 7Book.

Julie, there is nothing really to worry about .... Slot the memory chip in (I think it goes in at about a forty five degree angle and press down until it lies flat. It really is as simple as that! Good luck with it and welcome to the world of 64 MB netBooking! :)

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by WolfUK
The memory upgrade goes in the left hand slot as you look at the screen so I would surmise that Nick has the personality module in the wrong slot!It certainly sounds that way, and I'm certain that's the first issue that needs to be addressed. However, having received my upgrade DIMM this afternoon (yay!) the two modules do appear to be identical in size, as do the slots, so there does seem to be something very strange about the card that Nick has received.

Simon, thanks for the reassurance about fitting the module - I'm sure I'll be OK with it once I can give it my undivided attention. (Phone off hook tomorrow afternoon, lol!)

Julie

[netBookBabe]

netBook DIMM installed and working. :D :D :D

Nick, I found it fitted the left-hand slot snugly, so it really does make me wonder if you have received the wrong item. Did you get around to contacting Expansys?

Julie

[nclark]

Yes - they said, "Oh dear, send it back for a refund. There's no point sending out a replacement as they're all the same."

If this is true then I would have thought a lot of people would be moaning. Did anyone else reading this get theirs from Expansys?

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by nclark
Yes - they said, "Oh dear, send it back for a refund. There's no point sending out a replacement as they're all the same." Yeah, right. Like it's completely impossible that the wrong component was put in the box? This from the company who, as I recall, sent someone a 16Mb DIMM instead of a netBook personality module! :rolleyes:

Too much of the "couldn't care less" attitude so prevalent these days it seems. Shame there aren't many sources of supply, but there are alternatives. I'd take my money elsewhere if I were you.

I bought mine privately, by the way, so I can't offer any recommendation.

Julie

[WolfUK]

I'll make a recommendation ... Clove (http://www.clove.co.uk). They are a whisker more expensive but their customer support more than amkes up for it. Why not give them a ring and see if they can help you out.

[Braveheart]

Good recommendation. Clove are a superb outfit................

[wanman]

Better still, go to following link. You can get hold of a 32mb DIMM at european prices and as you pay cash on delivery, you can ensure it is correct, before paying for it.

They are based in Germany, but don't let that put you off as a few of us on here (including myself), successfully ordered and received one, cheap aswell at €120 (half the price you would pay at Clove).

I think they still have them in stock too. Clove were estimating 4 weeks wait, if not longer, when I was looking before Christmas.

http://www.srsgmbh.de/en/index1.html.

Go to this link and then click on pricelist, then netbook. Should be at the bottom of the list. All you need to do, is email them with order and delivery details. They speak English which is very handy for those of us, who cannot type in German !!

Regards
Si

[netBookBabe]

I couldn't actually see the netBook DIMM listed on Clove's site, but I'm sure it's worth giving them a call to ask. I too have always been very satisfied with their service and my purchases from them.

Julie

[WolfUK]

Originally posted by netBookBabe
I couldn't actually see the netBook DIMM listed on Clove's site ...You have to search the site for 'DIMM'. This caught me out originally too until I emailed them and asked.

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by WolfUK
You have to search the site for 'DIMM'.Hmmm....

I wonder how many sales they've missed out on owing to that? Mine, for a start! :(

Julie

[jezza]

Two things to add...

(1) SRS appear not to be taking orders for cash on delivery. They now insist on the money being transferred electronically to their bank account. My order is in with them and I should receive the module soon (I'm in no rush as I saved £60 compared to the Clove/Expansys price).

(2) I can vouch for Clove's service. I've used them for most of my Psion stuff since about 1994. Very rarely have they been beaten on price but never on value if you factor their service in.

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by jezza
SRS appear not to be taking orders for cash on delivery.Now there's a surprise! ;) ;)

Julie

[wanman]

I am not surprised either as I heard of at least three other people (including myself !!) that Parcel Force didn't actually collect the cash from and just put the envelope through the letterbox...DOH!!. Still waiting for someone to write and ask for the money. Perhaps our mail service is not as efficient as the German equivalent.

Regards
Si

[jezza]

My DIMM arrived from SRS on Friday. Delivered by Omega Express (guess they don't trust Parcelforce any more:)

Works just fine, so I can recommend this route to anyone looking for a DIMM. It took exactly two weeks from the day I did the bank transfer (economy 5 day service cost £9 through HSBC Bank - good exchange rate too) to when I received the DIMM.