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I am about to upgrade my laptop's RAM and I'm concerned about using an antistatic wrist strap. Is it smart to use one or not very necessary? What are the chances I could damage my laptop?

Where can I get one, in store, for cheap?

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You should wear an antistatic wristband for everything. Even things not computer-related, wouldn't want to get staticy! – Phoshi Nov 16 '09 at 19:27
@Phoshi, while you're being careful, an antistatic heel-strap, cotton clothing covered by an antistatic smock, and supplemented by ion blowers all help. – pavium Nov 16 '09 at 20:01
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up vote 8 down vote accepted

It is advisable to use an anti-static wrist strap. While the damage is virtually never seen immediately , it can have a long term negative effect on your computer's sensitive computer components. Yes, you can install your RAM without one, but why risk it?

If you do decide to forgo the wrist strap, turn off your computer, but before unplugging your computer or touching your RAM, touch a metal, unpainted part (exterior of the power supply on a desktop is the easiest. For a laptop I would touch the VGA output plug for an external monitor for example) of your computer to equalize (neutralize) the static electrical charge that may be present.

@pipTheGeek edited this to include where you can touch a metal part on a laptop. Thank you for that reminder to clarify.

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Thanks! I'm especially concerned since it's become colder and the static electricity shocks are become more frequent. – wahle509 Nov 16 '09 at 19:09
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Of course the touching the computer to ground yourself won't work if it is not grounded. The best way to ground your computer is to keep the power cord plugged in but with the power supply OFF. Apparently there are also power cords you can buy that are expressly for this purpose that only have the grounding prong. – humble coffee Nov 17 '09 at 2:17
Finding an earthed metal location on a laptop is likely to be impossible. – pipTheGeek Nov 25 '09 at 12:45
@pipTheGeek... you definitely have a point, although there are places. I updated my answer to include the VGA plug for connecting external monitors. Thank you for noting that. – Sean Dec 1 '09 at 22:41
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up vote 5 down vote

yes, it IS recommended to use an Anti-Static Wrist Strap when working on computers or other electronic appliances.

edit: i just checked you profile and see you're in IL, Radioshack is selling them for $ 5.99

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Thanks for the store and price! – wahle509 Nov 16 '09 at 19:09
It's available world-wide for half the price or less from DX: s.dealextreme.com/search/15430 for example -- I guess the prohibitive prices are why hardly anybody has them. (Went to three supposedly profesional PC stores today!) – mario Nov 23 '11 at 17:47
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up vote 3 down vote

@Molly's right. Then again, I've never used one myself. I make sure I'm already touching the chassis of my PC when I pick up my RAM. If I'm already grounded by contact then touching the RAM will not induce a static discharge.

But that's only my experience. Perhaps I've just been lucky until now. YMMV.

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hey, i'm only answering the question with sound advice. i will NOT elaborate on all the stunts i have pulled in my long career, or else i'd have to issue a warning: don't try this at home, kids! :) – Molly7244 Nov 16 '09 at 19:12
Hey, I agree. I wouldn't "recommend" not using one, but the reality is I never have used one, myself. :) – JMD Nov 16 '09 at 19:30
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up vote 3 down vote

Recommanded yes but you can remove static by many others ways ...

Example : Some peoples ground themselves by touching some metal on a regular pc case ...

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