Is it worth the difference in price for 2 GB of RAM versus (2) 512 for 1 GB?

2gigs is significantly better than one. However, 1gig is also better than the 256. If you were using the laptop for surfing the internet, downloading and some photo editing software, I would say that 1 gig is sufficient.

Although some retailers might not agree (I wonder why) but more memory will not necessarily speed up your computer. Honestly, a slow boot up is more likely caused by all the tasks you've got it doing. A busy desktop with junk all over it, a busy information tray (where the clock is), background programs, heavy display requirements and demanding needy system requirements will slow down the boot up. Clean clean clean.

Then do maintenance on the beast. Clean up the fans. Open the case and clean dust bunnies, fans etc. You'll need a powerful blow drier, Qtips and alcohol.

Unhook USB stuff you're not using all the time and only hook it up when you need it. If you have a printer, camera or scannner, you can just turn them off when you're not using them--you don't have to unhook these.

Do all work inside the case in a humid environment--or ground yourself against the metal case every sixty seconds to discharge static that can kill tiny components in your computer.

Take the software approach. Clean up the hard drive, run scan disk, defrag, clean up your desk top (put loose stuff into one folder), change your display settings (avoid cute stuff, "cute" is a memory hog), get a good spyware removal program, run virus scans, uninstall junk programs you don't need. Clean up junk showing up in your information tray (where the clock is). Look for competing programs like two virus protection programs, or two office suite programs (like MS Office and OpenOffice.org).

Go to Start/Accessories/System Tools and use the disk clean up.

Go to Control Panel/Internet Options and delete cookies, (do this once a month) files, offline files, browsing history etc.

If nothing else helps, back up the docs and pics (stuff you want to keep) to a separate storage device and restore your hard disk to its original state. If you're not comfy doing this, get a tech-buddy to help you.

A new, faster hard disk drive will speed up your computer. OH, one last thing. If you've filled your hard disk near capacity, THAT will make it boot and shut down slowly. One more thing. I helped a friend with a similar problem once who had never emptied his recycle bin EVER. He had 25000 files in the trash, literarally.

These days you need at least 1gb - programs are getting so large that soon 2gb will be essential. Do what you can afford and assume that you will need to replace the thinkpad soon due to techno obsolesence and plan for that.

yes it is IF you plan on keeping the PC for quit a while. use this site to find exactly what type and how much you can add.you might not be able to put 2 gs in and then again maybe so.this site is good and they sell cheaper than any I have found. I just put 1g in my moms laptop ordered from them at a cost of $58. and they ship free.only took me 1 1/2 days to receive it. http://www.4allmemory.com/

Just buy only one 1GB and insert it next to your old one. Believe me it'll work just great, and you won't pay all that much.

yeah 2GB IS SO much better