I am looking to buy a laptop. I have the option of buying with Vista or XP pro. It seems to me that there is not much excitement about Vista. With that, I assume that the world is moving in that direction. What do you think is the best operating system for my laptop?
2007-08-04 15:18:55 · 10 answers · asked by Jonathan B 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
Here is probably the best of both worlds.
You see, the future is with Windows Vista, but tons of old software does not work, and your laptop really needs 2GB to be GOOD. The real future is with Windows Vista 64, but even less works with it.
So buy a Windows Vista compatible computer NOW, but get Windows XP Pro if you are running a business network. Get Windows XP Home, if you don't have a business network, and use it just for the internet. Pro only really has features that you might use in an integrated office and share data with others.
Do your homework on what software programs that you will REALLY need. Aim to switch to Windows Vista 64 when you see that all applications come in the 64 bit flavor.
All new laptops can have RAM added. Aim for 1GB of RAM now, and expect to expand it to 2GB or more when you make the switch to Windows Vista.
Keep in mind, that many devices and software programs are NOT Windows Vista ready yet. To really reap the benefits of your modern Laptop; you WILL want Windows Vista 64. That's the future; but don't try to be the guinea pig just yet. Be ready for an awesome future.
OH, you should be looking at a Toshiba laptop at this point. If you get one with Vista now, hold onto that system disk, but BUY Windows XP and install that. Down the road, you will reinstall Windows Vista... then upgrade that to the Vista 64. (Currently Microsoft charges only $10 to upgrade the Windows Vista Home Premium to Windows Vista Home Premium 64)
Good luck and Happy Computing!
2007-08-04 15:30:03 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 0⤋
I haven't gone to Vista yet and here is the main reason. No service pack yet to fix all the bugs. XP is a little older but tried and true. Vista only costs $100 bucks so if you need it in the future it's not too expensive to buy. Just make sure your laptop is Vista capable.
2007-08-04 22:23:44 · answer #2 · answered by pmassey31545 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it all depends on two factors:
1. How much money you are willing to spend on the laptop
2. Which applications are you going to be running on the laptop
All I've heard about Vista is how it requires a more powerful computer in order to run with the "glass" skin and look good. You can most likely get a computer as powerful that is running XP for a few hundred dollars less.
2007-08-04 22:34:13 · answer #3 · answered by Phil D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I run a triple boot system: I prefer in this order
XP Pro
Ubuntu Linux
Vista Premium
XP is MUCH faster, less resource hog.
I run 2 gigs Ram, AMD 64 4000+ 2.41ghz
Vista is only "prettier" and SLOWwwwwwer than XP.
Ubuntu is FASTEST but more difficult. You need to learn Ubuntu but it is a lot of fun to geek around with.
Vista is a waste of money unless you buy the academic version then you won't regret spending a lot of money on an inferior product.
BTW. You only need to buy the Academic Vista Premium "Upgrade" for about $65. Google can tell you how to install the full version using only the upgrade product. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS
2007-08-04 22:30:10 · answer #4 · answered by swordfish 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can choose between either, or you can do what I and a lot of people do: dual-boot. Basically, when you start up the comp, it'll give you the option of choosing which OS you wanna use. Here's how to dual-boot:
1. Install XP FIRST, partitioning the hard drive into two.
2. Install Vista on the SECOND.
And then you can use BOTH, one at a time, with FULL software compatibility.
2007-08-04 22:22:50 · answer #5 · answered by Roahn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get xp pro. I bought a laptop with Vista and some of the items such as printer, scanners are incompatible.I had to download software just to use a printer. It is definitely a pain in the BUTT.
2007-08-04 22:31:13 · answer #6 · answered by sergio d 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would keep using XP.
Vista is far too new, there are too many errors and compatibility issues. Vista also requires a lot of ram, hard drive space and a DVD rom. Older software and old hardware might not work properly on Vista.
2007-08-04 22:27:15 · answer #7 · answered by carlosdavid 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
XP Pro, Vista is not good enough yet
2007-08-04 22:30:12 · answer #8 · answered by oracle 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
xp pro. vista is a pain in my ***. i use it b/c i have a dx10 card and dx10 is only supported in vista. wait until vista sp1 comes out at least.
2007-08-04 22:22:51 · answer #9 · answered by Jake 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i run vista ultimate and prefer it to win xp pro.I have had no problems with vista.I have a homebuilt computer.
2007-08-05 00:35:43 · answer #10 · answered by Terry D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋