Boosting Your Macbook Pro RAM

As the physical size of computer RAM chips reduces and their capacity increases, we can pack more into the same space, making our computers faster and more efficient, especially when handling large files.
One of my bugbears has always been the [small] amount of RAM you can load into a laptop. Because of their obvious size limitations it's never been easy to add nearly as much RAM as it is to a [far larger] desktop computer.

I recently bought an Apple Macbook Pro (MacbookPro8.2 model) and, at the time of purchase, chose to add the maximum RAM possible: 8Gb, combined with the latest i7 QuadCore processor. It works very well. 

However one of my photo students was talking about upgrading beyond the stated Apple maximum using RAM bought from a non-Mac source.
Yes, you CAN add even MORE RAM to a MacbookPro if you buy not-recommended-by-Apple sort of RAM. For years I have incorrectly thought that if it was not sanctioned by Apple, it was possibly inferior or would make the device malfunction. But then, I have been using non-Epson ink cartridges for years with great results and have frequently added non-original parts to my car - and it still works.
The company I bought the RAM from was Other World Computers (OWC) in the States. I ordered on Monday, it arrived on Thursday. It took ten minutes to install. Easy. As I wanted it to go smoothly I also ordered the handy OWC tool kit - just so I did not try to open my shiny new Macbook Pro using a bodgy jeweller's screwdriver that I have in hte kitchen drawer.
You can also find simple, clear and no-fuss video tutorials on the OWC website that rate the trickiness of each operation for each model and go through the process with a blow-by-blow commentary (e.g. http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_15_unibody_early11/).

I used a US company because it was recommended, but I have since seen several Aussie companies advertising a similar service - albeit slightly more expensive. Try www.ramcity.com.au or maybe www.upgradeable.com.au

Note also that you can upgrade the internal storage (hard drives), in particular solid state drives (SSDs) to a far higher capacity that Apple currently offers. All these products are fully guaranteed so there seems to be no risk involved unless you are a total klutz with a screwdriver...