What do I need to look for when selecting new RAM for my MacbookPro8,1? I'm looking at buying some extra RAM for my mid-2011 (?) MBP.  OWC says that I can handle up to 16GB (2x8), though I might elect to go with "only" 8GB.

I haven't bought computer components in a couple of years, so I'm not sure what the state-of-the-art is.  Do I have to match the speed of the current modules (listed as 1333MHz) or can I go faster?  Do I have to look for certain timing characteristics?  Does brand matter?
I believe that 1333 MHz is the max that the computer can handle. You're looking for DDR3 memory at that clock speed. Brand doesn't particularly matter. I personally like G.Skill, Crucial, Mushkin. If you're on NewEgg and sort by rating it's usually a pretty good indication of how the memory does and often times people post their computer model in their review.