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Lombard RAM Problems in OS X


Reader Michael R. Johnston writes about an apparent problem with RAM in the upper slot on Lombard PowerBooks:

I’m writing to see if I can enlist your help in resolving a problem which I believe is currently affecting thousands, if not tens of thousands, of Lombard PowerBook users. As evidenced by extensive commentary in this MacFixIt forum, Mac OS X is highly unstable for many and, in a disturbing number of cases, even the installation process itself freezes at random points.

I can attest to this problem since I have been experiencing it myself. The crux of the problem appears to be that, for owners of these machines, any additional RAM in the upper slot, NO MATTER WHO THE MANUFACTURER, will cause these machines to become unstable. This means that even Apple RAM exhibits the problem. In all cases that I’ve read, removing the additional RAM eliminates the problem and allows the machine to function normally under OS X.

In short, for some – but not all – users it is impossible to install and use Mac OS X with any RAM installed in the upper slot of their Lombard PowerBooks. This appears to be a fault of the hardware, though I do not know specifically which component or components that might be.

At this point Apple refuses to acknowledge the problem. While I am uncertain as to whether they are aware of it, it seems clear that the only way in which they will investigate and offer a resolution is if prominent publications such as yours report on this matter.

Our feedback link below, and many readers, welcome any assistance you can provide.

By Jason O'Grady

Founded the PowerPage in 1995.