IBM.com Product Availability Accuracy; RAM Upgrade

[ssmith]

Hi all,

How accurate is the availability on IBM's site? I ask because I am close to ordering a 2378FVU and the wait indicates 5 days before it is restocked, but I have seen some models future availability remain unchanged over several days (i.e. I check Monday, it says 5 days. I check Friday and it still says 5 days).

Second, if I upgrade the RAM from 256MB to 512MB on the 2378FVU through IBM, does that mean I will get 2x256MB SODIMMs, or one 512MB with one slot empty?

I've searched the forum for these but haven't found a definitive answer. Thanks.

[AtmosMan]

Welcome to the forums.

I think the info on IBM's site is not that accurate. Their shipdates aren't very good either. There are several people on this forum that have ordered a thinkpad direct from IBM and some got theirs a lot earlier than thier expected date, and some have gotten it much later than expected. It's really a toss up.

If you upgrade the RAM, I'm pretty sure that you get 1 module of whatever size you ordered, so you'll have one slot free for future upgrades.

Hope this helps.

-Brian

[ssmith]

Thanks AtmosMan. I've seen posts about getting shipments much earlier, but I couldn't find much about the IBM.com availability status. I think you're probably right since the shipment status is pretty inaccurate.

As for the RAM, when I hit the "view configuration and buy" button, the RAM is listed as 256MB under the "base model features and specifications" section, and then lists another 256MB under the "accessories and options selected" section. Since the accessories ram has it's own part number, it means that I would have two - 256MB SODIMMs filling my memory slots. Can I request a single 512MB SODIMM from IBM instead of 2x256MB ?



P.S. Thanks for welcoming me to the forums. I'm a long-time lurker who has enjoyed the wealth of knowledge in this forum and finally decided to register!

[gcchatel]

If you upgrade the ram in the customize and buy page, I am pretty sure you will get one stick of 512 (it costs $100 more). IBM is pretty good about leaving one slot free for upgrading later. You might want to call to check.

Gael