RAM Questions- Looking to buy new Dell Notebook

I'm looking to buy a new Dell laptop in the next month or so but I have a few questions in regards to RAM. I currently have a Inspiron 9300 17in notebook with 1GB RAM thats about 2 yrs old. I have a tendency to have 15 web browsers open at once with maybe one or two other programs. So I was looking at getting 4GB of RAM in my new Dell notebook, but after reading on this site it looks like paying more for 4GB isn't worth it. The current prices online for a Dell Inspiron 1520 for ram is as follows: (not sure on the 1520, I just picked it for this example)
1GB $0
2GB $125
3GB $250
4GB $500
Now I don't really understand these prices, wouldn't it be better for me to just buy two 2GB sticks for about $100 online. I've added ram to a desktop about 5 years ago, is it that hard to add to a notebook yourself if you've never done it before or would best buy install it cheaply? Also I understand that the 4GB is better used with 64 bit Vista, does anyone know what the new Dell notebooks are coming with these days, 32 or 64 bit? If anyone could help point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. I don't really play games on my laptop, I mostly use it for work, I run an ebay business and I used ebay's turbolister program (which runs really slow on my current laptop) and I often have a dozen web browsers open at once. So what can help me get the best performance in my new laptop, more RAM, faster hard drive, faster cpu, graphics card, etc. I really need help.
PS I'm also considering a 32GB solid state hard drive, I haven't even used up 20GB on my current laptop so I'm not worried about only having 32GB, I really just want speed.

 

~Yes. It would be better to buy RAM separately online.
~Don't buy your desired amount of RAM from Dell - they will rip you off!
~It is quite easy to add RAM to a Dell notebook.
~I believe Dells usually ship with 32-bit Vista.
~cheers!

 

Buy after you buy, not from Dell! Buy the lowest amount of RAM they will sell and buy online!

 

Newegg.com or Oempcworld.com

 

Hot RAM Deals.

 

Thanks for the replies so far, just a couple more questions. Will I be able to install the RAM myself or will I have to take it somewhere? I haven't done it before but I am pretty computer savvy. Would the RAM come with directions if I bought it online? I don't really know what installing new RAM memory entails, do I have to do anything other than plugging it in, like with the BIOS or OS or anything. If you think I should take it somewhere, is it best to go to a place like Best Buy or would it be cheaper to go to a local computer shop?

My 2nd question is, will it even be worth it for me to upgrade to 4GB after I purchase my laptop, especially if you say that it comes with 32GB Vista. I don't mind spending the $100 bucks so price isn't an issue I just want to make sure its worth the hassle and will actually improve the performance of my laptop.

Last question; If the new dell laptops are coming with 32bit Vista, how do I go about getting 64bit Vista? Can I get it from Dell? Is it expensive? What differences are there between 32 and 64bit?

Thanks for everyone who has the time to help me!

 

the memory is about the simplest thing to change on any notebook. It is literally a one screw and four snap operation. It takes 5 minutes, anyone can do it.

Vista is not even worth it, the new service pack 3 for xp will be much better.

K-TRON

 

I got in on a 2GB of ram deal I think it was a couple days before thanksgiving for $15 AR + tax = $19 for 2x1 GB PC5400. Amazing deal, not even blackfriday had that deal. Just get your ram before or after you buy your laptop if you see a deal around the $25-$30 mark if you only want 2GB.

 

i just bought 2x2gig corsair 667ram for 2x45$

Tigerdirect.ca

yeah im canadian and i buy canadian stuff...