RAM Doubler 9 is the latest version of Connectix Software's venerable product for increasing your available RAM with a software solution. Don't be misled; the "9" only indicates its compatibility with OS 9; it is also compatible with OS 8, and through creative memory management it can effectively triple your available memory.

With the price of RAM chips for new machines getting so cheap nowadays, RAM Doubler should be a second resort for owners of G3's and G4's. For example, as of Sept. 2001, the same US$29 that will buy you RAM Doubler will buy you 64 MB of physical RAM for your G3; US$39 will buy you 128 MB of RAM for your G3 or G4.

If you have an older Mac--Quadra, II, Performa, 7100, etc.--with the required 32 MB of RAM, though, it can be a Godsend. RAM for these older machines is much more expensive than for more recent models (e.g. US$39 for 16 MB of RAM; see the chart here) and is also notoriously difficult to install in these older machines. Upgrading your RAM on them is either a pain to do yourself or an additional cost to pay someone else to.

Here's the system requirements list from Connectix's web site (9/04/01):

• PowerPC, G3, or G4 processor
• Mac OS 8.0, 8.1, 8.5, 8.6; Mac OS 9.0 recommended
• 32MB of Physical RAM
• 256 color display recommended for viewing charts and graphics
• CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive

A RAM Doubler 9 license is currently priced at US$29.00; it is a free upgrade for those who hold a RAM Doubler 8 license. It can be purchased on-line via Connectix's web site.

Be careful: some on-line vendors are selling their RAM Doubler 8 stock for as much as $44.95, but as you can see above RAM Doubler 9 is compatible with OS 8, and less expensive.