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Late 2011 model, A1278 / 2.4 GHz i5 or 2.8 GHz i7 processor.

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Why apple tell me this machine Maximum memory is 8 GB

but here:

MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011

There are a number of components in the MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 that can be cost effectively upgraded.

Memory: The MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Late 2011 comes with 4 GB RAM standard, and accepts a maximum of 16 GB. If your MacBook Pro is still running with only the stock RAM, upgrading will provide a dramatic performance boost. You can upgrade to any combination of two 4 GB or 8 GB modules for 8, 12, or 16 GB of total RAM.

and here:

http://ark.intel.com/products/60636/Inte...

Max Memory Size (dependent on memory type) 16 GB

Memory Types DDR3-1066/1333

why?

How should I choose?

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Heres Apples TN on what each MBP can support and what is needed: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1270 Refer to C-Net link below for 16GB support. Apples TN does not address larger than 8GB configurations which are possible.

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Don't you love Intel's double speak ;-}

OK lets look at this from the CPU size first: The i5 & i7 chip in this series can address 16GB of RAM. But, that doesn't address what combination of memory modules you could use. Hence Intel's (dependent on memory type) comment.

It's also important to note only the newer MacBook Pro systems can support 16GB of RAM. Here's a list C-Net MBP systems that support 16GB of RAM.

Now the down side:

Installing 16GB of RAM will be very expensive and most users would never even need to access that much. You would need to be working on some very big data files or DB's to leverage that much memory. It also will suck down your battery life and make your lap a little more toasty (hot).

So is it a good thing to be able to support than much RAM - without a question yes. Just don't run off doing it yet. Over time the cost will come down and maybe you might need it for some future OS or application. Besides, over time we have seen how chips get smaller and use less power (and heat) so waiting is a good thing from that point as well.

Buy what you really need for most 8GB is more than enough.

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-64 bit processors can address more than 16 GB of RAM. It is not Intel's double speak it is the memory management incorporated by Apple. The same Intel chips on PC models don't have that limitation. Same with the size and brand compatibility. Apple is known for throttling down the Intel products. I don't believe that is a bad thing. Apple products are known to outlast their PC counter parts.

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Theoretically, a 64-bit processor can address up to 16 EB (17.2 billion GB) of RAM. Realistically, the amount is far more limited, due to current memory technologies, space considerations, and limited chipsets. Depending on the other hardware and operating system, a 64-bit processor can access between 4 GB and 128 GB.

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ABCellars - Very true 64bit Desktops can address more memory. The limit as I understand it is the mobile Intel chips don't have address lines to address as much as the desktop chips. ABCellars, did you look at Intel's web site under this chip the limit is 16GB so the answer is correct so why the down vote it's not called for.

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ok, thanks everyone,

but in china

16GB memory 's price is 72.18$.

I think it not very expensive

i can buy : )

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Here in the states the price is around $140 per module the last time I looked. I'm sure the price will continue to drop. I still question the need for it at this time. You may want to look at adding a SSD by replacing the optical drive for a HD/SSD carrier. Near instant on and fast access to your programs (you put on it). If you have Mountain Lion you could even create your own Fusion like HD setup.

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