Satellite M100 memory upgrading issue

Just had a question for other Toshiba owners, and a warning for anyone looking at the Satellite M100.

I recently purchased this machine with the minimum RAM configuration (256x1 @ 533). I also purchased an extra GB from newegg for $90 (1GBx1 @ 667). I had hoped to easily add another gig of RAM at will at some future point. Also, I was considering removing the 256 MB to keep the RAM running at the higher clock speed.

While I love the machine, upon installing the 1GB stick, I realized that I couldn't get at the original 256MB stick. I had made sure when buying the machine that it was upgradeable to 2GB (ie, that the factory RAM wasn't soldered onto the motherboard). However, looking in the manual I see that the second RAM slot is "Service Accessible only", something that was completely not mentioned during the purchase, to my chagrin. I called the company to ask how to get at it, and they said I had to take it in for service to upgrade there. The technical support was extremely bad, they kept repeating inane things over and over ("both RAM can be added in the bottom", followed by "only one RAM can be added", followed by "your warranty is voided if you upgrade ANY ram yourself")... I think I would have a better experience if I called back and tried someone else. BUT, i thought I would first ask this forum:

Has anyone discovered how to access the "service accessible" RAM? I'd like to be able to add my own RAM someday, and don't mind unscrewing the entire machine if that is what it takes. Is it accessible through removing the back, or is it under the keyboard?

I plan to post a review of my machine in the near future, with pictures of my Sunlight Copper model.

Otherwise, I love the machine

 

Hey, I also picked out the M100 for my gf with the 256mb of ram. I recall it was about $80 to upgrade to 512mb(1 stick) at the time, but now it has dropped to only $30. Anyhow, I too was unaware that you couldn't get to the first slot until after I received it. I was planning to upgrade her to 512mb x 2 but it turns out that I can't do that. I would also like to know how to get to the first slot. BTW, she also got the copper lid.

 

You might want to check the thread on how to dismantle your Toshiba. Maybe it covers the M100. I just received the A100 that I ordered online from Toshiba and I was able to get to both slots to take out the 256Mb that came with it and put in the 2GB that I had ordered from Crucial.

My A100 has the sunlight copper lid too.