Vista or XP for Bootcamp

Hi, I would like to get either Vista or XP for Bootcamp so I can do some light gaming and school work. Which one should i get? Also, if I were to choose XP, what SP will work for Bootcamp? I am looking at both of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116485 and http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116511. Any ideas?

 

Which Mac are you planning to installing Windows on?

 

I am planning to put Windows on the Aluminum MacBook, 2.0 Ghz base model.

 

If cost is an issue try getting yourself a copy of XP. You won't be disappointed. If your ok with shutting down running processes on vista then go for vista. I have 64 bit vista running on my bootcamp. And to be honest it works great. I use the updated video card drivers from laptopvideo2go.com and 4 gigs. And the system runs vista quite well. If you search the forums you will find some great Vista tweak guides. They work.

But if you want simplicity then XP will surely fill your needs.

 

If you are also planning on running your Boot Camp as a virtual machine in OS X, then XP would be the way to go if you don't plan on upgrading the RAM on your machine to 4GB+.
Otherwise, go Vista.
Note that you might experience some trackpad issues, although Apple will hopefully release a fix fairly soon.

 

Thanks for all the replies! I think i'm pretty set on getting XP. Does anybody know what SP will work and if OEM will work also?

 

Any version will work.

 

I've tried XP with service pack 3 and had no problems running it. It's incredibly quick on the MBP.

 

if cost is an issue, get server 2003 (more stable xp) or server 2008 (more stable vista) for free, through dreamspark.

 

Thanks guys!

 

I've been against vista since it released. After picking up this new macbook pro i decided to give vista another shot. I ran vista x64 via bootcamp, and the thing was nothing but trouble... Sitting still at idle the computer got way too hot... It'd probablly burn my lap! Not only that but it crashed VERY often. I do lots of 3d cad work, and vista can be a nightmare for this kind of stuff. It could not run my 3d cad program stably for over 5 minutes.

 

hi joystick,

just curious. I am also interested in purchasing the new MBP and installing vista 64. This is something you would clearly not recommend?

thanks,
josh

 

Have you tried the 32-bit version of Vista? The Boot Camp drivers work for that environment. I haven't tried the 64-bit route, and from the looks of it, it doesn't sound to appetizing to even attempt it.