Apple memory expansion is the key to making your Mac run better. Extended G4 memory, iBook memory or PowerBook memory means you'll be able to run more programs simultaneously, store more photos, videos and other documents, and get the most out of your Mac.

There's a lot to consider before you run out to buy more Mac memory. First, it's important to determine the memory you need based on the type of professional projects you need to complete. For instance, if you perform a lot of video editing or photography, you'll need lots of memory to store all of those large files. If you conduct business on the road, you'll need iBook or PowerBook memory that can hold all your files and presentations without gumming up the works on your computer.

When shopping for certified Apple compatible RAM or other Apple compatible memory storage, also consider the following:

1. Apple memory manufacturers are not necessarily affiliated with Apple itself—meaning you can find the RAM you need at competitive prices.
2. For iBook memory and PowerBook memory, you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a new Mac laptop to get what you need.
3. Make sure the Apple memory product you buy comes with support and installation help.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find great Apple memory manufacturers

While G4 memory and other Apple certified compatible RAM can most certainly be purchased from Apple itself, plenty of other official apple memory manufacturers are out there. G4 ram, G5 ram--it's all for sale online.

I recommend: Computer memory company Crucial allows you to search online for Mac memory by model. Memory Suppliers enables you to conveniently find memory options by clicking on a picture icon of your Mac machine of choice. Or search for Apple memory upgrades at Edge Tech Corp.'s website. And of course, don't forget about the good old Apple Store.

Look into iBook and PowerBook Apple memory

Find great extended memory options and certified Apple compatible RAM for your Apple laptop from reputable online suppliers.

I recommend: Other World Computing allows you to shop for pin memory upgrades for every type of Mac laptop and laptop size for low prices. You can also browse for iBook and PowerBook memory at Powerbook Medic.

Find great support for your Apple memory

Find great sources online for memory installation tips or troubleshooting support.

I recommend: Mac Options offers a wealth of online tutorials about Mac memory, from compatibility to installation. More of a do-it-yourselfer? Check out Life Hacker's online guide for installing RAM on your Mac.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you know the difference between real Apple memory and virtual memory. On the Mac, virtual memory is a feature that will use part of your hard drive for extra memory if needed. But if you don't have enough actual RAM, having this feature turned on can simply slow your system. To correct this problem, try turning off your virtual memory and/or increasing your RAM.