I installed a RAM upgrade this morning on the MacBook, moving from two 256K modules to two 512K modules.
While Apple is getting kudos for the ease of HD removal (video from Macworld), the RAM upgrade requires notably more force than I imagined. The instructions are simple, and the only tool required is a small Philips screwdriver. Getting the installed modules out was straightforward, but putting the modules in was difficult because you don’t have much leverage, and your fingers take a beating. My first attempt failed. I put the computer back together and tried to start it up. No dice. I didn’t panic immediately because I’ve had a somewhat similar experience in the past with a different Mac. I opened the battery bay up again, and pushed until my fingers were dented, and kept pushing. I never heard the promised “click” to tell me that the modules were fully seated, but they were farther in, so I gave it a try. Success.
Seems Dave Winer had the same problem, but he must have given up on the more-than-educated pressure technique. The quote from a tech at an Apple Store was: “You really have to force it in there.”
Definitely. Apply educated pressure. Then try pressure beyond what you think is safe. If the L-shaped bracket which covers the modules doesn’t lie flat before you put the three screws back on, then you probably haven’t gone far enough.
As I noted yesterday, I’m thrilled with the computer overall, but might as well point out the annoyance, too.