Upgrading your Sony Vaio memory can increase the speed and performance of your computer. Sony Vaio computers have long been an industry leader, providing a fast and reliable laptop solution.

Maximize your Sony Vaio memory by taking advantage of the Vaio's integration with Sony's Memory Stick flash memory, upgrading random access memory (RAM) or using other types of flash memory devices, external drives and Secure Digital (SD) cards. Although all Vaio computers have built-in ports to accommodate Memory Sticks, it's pretty easy to perform a Sony Vaio memory upgrade with any of these devices.

Sony Vaio memory is a rapidly changing technology. The company is constantly reconfiguring the sticks and other devices to provide a more compact solution boasting mega-gigabytes of storage space. As a result, when shopping for memory for a Sony Vaio, you must take several factors into account, including:

1. Knowing which Sony Vaio memory card is compatible with your computer.

2. How much storage space you need.

3. Whether to buy Sony Vaio memory or a third-party alternative.

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

Research different Sony Vaio Memory Stick options

The Vaio Memory Stick comes in several different configurations. Sony recently created a Micro line of Memory Sticks that offer the same speed and storage space in a smaller size. Users of older Vaio laptops, however, will lack the compatibility for the Micro series without an adapter, and as a result should look at the Duo and PRO Duo lines. Figure out which Memory Stick for Sony Vaio fits your laptop, and then decide how much storage space you need from the available configurations.

I recommend: Sony's Sony Style online store offers dedicated pages to the PRO Duo, Micro and Duo lines of Memory Stick media. Here you can review specifications and available storage capacities, as well as purchase Memory Sticks directly from the manufacturer.

Consider a Vaio memory upgrade

Upgrading the RAM in your Vaio will increase the speed and efficiency of your computer.

I recommend: You can get a great deal by purchasing a refurbished Vaio Memory Expansion 512 megabyte module or pay full price for a 1 gigabyte module directly from Sony. Also check with third-party vendors, such as TigerDirect or Newegg for RAM upgrades. Make sure, when working with these vendors, that you purchase RAM compatible with your computer.

Look into flash memory for a Sony Vaio

One important consideration before you buy Sony Vaio memory is the wide range of options available and the availability of third-party units. Several reputable memory card manufacturers offer options that are fully compatible with all Vaios.

I recommend: Check out Sony Style for all types of flash memory devices made specifically for the Vaio. You'll also find tons of USB flash memory and cards available through several third-party vendors such as J&R Electronics and Buy.com that will work with the Vaio.

Consider an external drive to increase Sony Vaio memory and storage space

External hard drives come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from a mere 40 gigabytes of storage space to 1 terabyte (1,000 gigabytes). Most are instantly recognized by your computer when plugged into its USB port.

I recommend: Check out external hard drives from Iomega Corporation and Western Digital Corporation to increase the storage space on your Vaio notebook. Also, Sony offers a few of their own manufactured specifically for their computers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While flash memory for Sony Vaio provides a great portable storage solution, if you're looking to move mass quantities of data across computers it may not be your best option. If you frequently need to transfer more than what a flash drive or Memory Stick can hold, look into external USB hard drives or other larger portable solutions.