Upgrade RAM in Acer Aspire One Netbook

If you love your new Acer Aspire One Netbook as much as I do and you wish you could upgrade the memory/RAM, it can be done but it is a bit of a challenge. This task is not for the faint of heart as you really have to disassemble your Netbook and dig DEEP into its insides. Do this at your own risk as opening the case WILL VOID your warranty. Whether your Acer cam with only one stick of 512mb or two (for 1gb), you can only upgrade one stick (replace one 512mb with one 1gb) for a total of 1.5bg RAM (max. for this netbook). Remember to PLEASE vote on whether this Guide was helpful or not below. Thanks.

Tools Needed: very small phillips-head screwdriver and a small flat-head (preferably 2 for removing the keyboard); anti-static wrist strap; steady spot to put all your screws as they are tiny and you don't want to lose any; small fingers or needle nose pliers; flat surface and plenty of light (small flashlight helps). You will also need a 1gb stick of SODIMM RAM-use PC2-5300 RAM. It's only about $15-20.

GOOD LUCK!

Step 1:  Make sure you unplug you Acer and remove the battery. Very Important so you don't get electrocuted.
Step 2:  You will need to remove the 8 screws on the back, they surround the bottom outside edges. Two of the screws are hidden under the rubber feet. Remove the rubber feet and place in a safe spot- these are sticky and will re-attach with no problem when you're finished.
Step 3:  After the screws are removed, flip your laptop over so the keyboard is showing. Open your LCD screen so you have as much space as possible to get at the keyboard.
Step 4:  There are two small tabs above the F2 key and the Pause/Break key. GENTLY press your small flat-head screwdriver against the tab (one at a time) towards the screen. At the same time, use your other screwdriver to pop under the keyboard to release the tab. Then repeat for the other side. It is a little tricky, but don't lose heart- you can do it!
Step 5:  Once the tabs are released, gently pull up on the keyboard and you will see a small, flat cable attached to the board. This is the connector for the keyboard and track pad. Gently release the small black tab (don't pull too hard or the tab may break or separate) pull the cable out and this will release the keyboard. Set aside.
Step 6:  You will see 6 more small screws on the shiny metal surface. Remove these screws an put aside. Once you remove these screws, lift the plate off and you will see two more screws by the Wi-Fi module. You will need to disconnect the ribbon (I think SSD) and unplug the audio cable.
Step 7:  The RAM stick is under the board. GENTLY lift up on the corners of the board and you will see the SODIMM stick right underneath. You will remove this 512mb stick (or it will be empty if your netbook only came with 512mb). There are two small tabs on the sides of the RAM. Just gently press the tabs out and the RAM will pop-up slightly. Remove RAM. Insert new 1gb RAM into slot. **Make sure to align the contacts as it only goes in one way. DO NOT FORCE.** Press down and your RAM should automatically snap into place.
Step 8:  Reverse the above steps and re-assemble your computer.
Step 9:  Replace your battery (if not charged, plug in the power adapter). And turn it on. As it turns on, make sure to press F2 and you will go into your system BIOS settings. Under the MAIN tab, you should see the increase in RAM (1,536Mb).

SUCCESS! Pat yourself on the back, this was no easy task my friend. Now you can do it for all your friends and mayber make a few bucks on the side. Remember to PLEASE vote on whether this Guide was helpful or not below. Thanks.

UPDATE 6/29/09:  Wanted to add a little info about having two sticks of unmatched RAM. RAM is best utilized by a computer when they are MATCHED pairs or Identical modules. My system is obviously a little more efficient than before, but unless you're a computer geek like me and just want to take your new gadget's apart, skip upgrading (though it is cheap) and stick with Acer's original configuration of TWO 512mb RAM sticks. Hope this helps and remember to PLEASE Vote Below.