Stealing RAM out of brand new iBooks that are still in the stores is a great way
to make some extra cash. Or to top out the RAM your own
iBook.
Here is how to do it, without any chance of getting noticed whatsoever
(YMMV)
Tools you will need:
What to do
First, use the Dremel / bolt cutter or metal saw to remove any of the
bars or bolts or wires that they have locked the iBook in place with. Usually
this is done with a bar of metal across the keyboard, or a Kensington Mobile
Locking device (basically a steel wire with a lock that goes into the computer).
It is a good idea to do this while store detectives are looking another way,
and when no clerks are around.
Secondly, you will need to disassemble the computer (new ibooks are sold without
optional RAM or Airport cards installed - the ram you are stealing is soldered
to the motherboard):
- Remove the battery from the computer
- Remove the 7 Torx screws from the bottom of the computer
- Take the keyboard by turning the little screw in the top-middle of the
keyboard, and pulling the latches holding it down.
- Unscrew the plate holding the RAM holder down, using your Philips screwdriver
- Unscrew all the Torx screws under the plating.
You should now be able to lift off the upper body shell of the iBook, and
we are getting closer to the RAM chips
- Unscrew and lift out the harddrive
- Remove the little fan
- Remove the metal frame that stretches across your motherboard.
- Eject and unscrew the CD / DVD drive
- Lift out the motherboard
Now it is time for some soldering
Make sure you have enough light, and that your soldering iron is resting comfortably
in your hand. You may want to ask a store detective or clerk to clear some
space for you on a desk or something.
Locate the RAM chips - they are likely to be marked with a major brand in RAM
chips, such as Mitsubishi, Aspacer or Kensington, depending on what model
iBook you are holding.
Make sure your soldering temperature is less than 260°C, and then carefully
heat each bar of the RAM chip feet. Use some way to remove the tin that comes
loose (either one of those vacuum pumps, or just use soldering thread).
Finally, you will want to up your soldering temperature a little, put a tiny
aluminium plate across all the feet, and heat the plate, so the remaining
tin melts. You should be able to lift the RAM chip out. Repeat until you have
all the RAM chips.
How to get away with it
Remember to put the machine back together, or somebody might spot a half-assembled
machine just as you are walking out the door, and you will be caught. That is
not good. Also, you might want to weld the metal bar and / or metal wires back
on the unit, so nobody notices anything is missing.
When all of this is done, make your way casually towards the exit. It may
be a good idea to purchase something - some paper, or perhaps some batteries,
to seem less inconspicuous as you are leaving.
Timing
As you see, timing is quite important here. You can do this operation in
about 45 minutes - 20 minutes if you have a lot of practice - so make sure that
the store clerks and detectives are out of the way. Tripping the firealarm
may help you to do this, but that may also have consequences.
Good luck.