64-Bit OS--Worth the extra bit of cash?

I've just discovered what seems to be a great deal on an HP DV6858CA.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926INGFS10100135&catid=25253

It has pretty solid specs. The main thing I wonder about is the Windows Vista Home Premium 64-Bit SP1 Operating System.

Is this worthwhile? I'd be paying anout $50 to $100 more than for an adequate laptop computer with a 32 bit OS and 3GB of RAM.

I am not a hardcore user by any means, but I'm thinking if I get this 64 Bit OS I will 1) have slightly better immediate performance and 2) be ready for any newer software or whatever that comes over the next few years.

Can anyone advise me on whether this is a worthwhile step? I've also heard that some 64 Bit OSs have had problems..

Thanks for the help.

Jeff

 

If the softwares that you use is compatible,yes.Since the laptop that you want to buy is 4GB,it can utilize the full 4GB.

 

I would say that it is worthwhile, knowing from experience. The transition is fairly easy, but first make sure that all of your applications will work; it is more than likely that they will. Also, keep in mind that x64 Vista does have an emulation layer for 32-bit only applications.

 

It depends on whether or not you want to manually upgrade yourself, since a 32bit Vista license is compatible with the equivalent 64bit Vista version. All you have to do is order a free (excl. p&p) 64bit Vista DVD from Microsoft if you want to switch from 32bit to 64bit.

It is only a matter of time before everyone moves to 64bit (due to the demand on RAM), so you might as well save yourself the hassle of having to manually upgrade later.

 

More RAM isn't the only reason to go to 64 bit, but until more apps are written optimized for 64 bit, the other benefits won't manifest for the most part. I'd recommend 64 bit. It'll be necessary to take the plunge at some point relatively soon, and you might as well be ready now.

 

I think the older software is the real problem. For example, does your printer support x64? As far as I know, ALL your drivers have to be 64 bit version because there is no support for 32 bit drivers.

 

There is always dual boot too...

 

And what benefit would that give? Unless you are a developer and need to test your programs on both enviroments of course.

 

Or you have some apps that don't play nice with Vista/64 bit, but still want to have the future benefits of a 64 bit OS available.

 

I would personally go with 64, you will gain speed and logevity as new 64 appications pop up on the market.

 

Yea, but you have the benefits available if you own the license like you probably do in the dual boot case. Personally I wouldn't want to install my software twice, try to synchonize my settings or wait boot times just to do something spesific. In that sense 32 bit is less hassle. However, if I had 8GB mem and/or a software piece that really needs it, then I would be probably forced to do just that.

That said, I think virtual machines are the solution to older applications. However, they might not solve all driver issues even while USB devices (even without host OS drivers) should be okay. They also limit the use to office like applications as advanced 3D acceleration isn't available (yet) as far as I know.

Edit: I did find this from forth coming VMWare 6.5's release notes:
Accelerated 3-D graphics on Windows XP guests — Workstation 6.5 virtual machine now support applications that use DirectX 9 accelerated graphics with shaders up through Shader Model 2.0 on Windows XP guests. Hosts can be running Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Linux.

 

God, if you think Vista perf sucks for games, good luck playing them in a VM.

 

I would recommend it if you are going with 4+ GB of RAM. I was hesitant in my jump to x64, but I have had no problems at all with it.

 

I'm still hesitant, I'm just waiting for all the bugs be fixed and then I will definitely make the jump.

 

If the games work on 32 bit Vista, chances are good that they work on 64 bit Vista too. On the other hand, if you are talking about old DOS games then I think VM performance might actually be a good thing, because those weren't meant for this fast computers in the first place. But just in case you happen to have a lot modern games refusing to work in 64 bit Vista and you absolutely need to play them, I would go and install the 32 bit Vista instead.

 

Thanks for all the input. It seems from a brief websearch that any software I use will work with 64 bit. And I bought a new printer last week so I assume it will work also (will double check).

From what I understand from these posts is that I should experience no major problems with a 64 bit system despite my lower end knowledge with PCs. I just want to get it and use it immediately and not have to go through any change over type hassles.

Important that I can use Microsoft Office primarily as well as Dreamweaver, and I reckon these should work no problem.

If anyone sees a glaring error with this logic, please let me know!


Jeff

 

I would personally disagree with that ALL 32 aps will work with your 64, but certainly ALL 64 aps will work.

The only drawback is that threre not many aps for 64 out there, and it seems that it will take some time before that occur.

 

Not to mention gaming with games pre-2007...

 

That would qualify as apps that don't play well with Vista/64 bit.

 

I think the x64 switch is way to talked about on here. I have been using x64 for over a year now, same as my g/f and few friends. We have yet to find a single problem or incompatible issue yet. I game a lot while my g/f uses lots of random apps for her job. I sometimes go back and play games from pre-2005 that run awesome.

Get the x64 machine, you will be fine.

 

Here are some reason to consider 64 versus 32:

Like others have said, if you want to use 4GB Ram, you need to use 64-bit.

Besides iTunes and Rhapsody, I never had problems running any other programs on my 64-bit.

More and more programs are being developed for 64-bit, so might as well be ready now.

Some games like Crysis actually run faster on a 64-bit system as opposed to 32-bit.

Hope this helps.

 

Yep, 64 bit is stated to be faster than 32 bit, and more secure.
There is the matter of drivers still, but that should not be a problem in the near future, since 64bit computing is becoming more and more popular.

 

Now days with SP1 everything is working much quicker when running 64Bits hardware and with more the 3GB ram, so try and see.

 

The most exciting and unique to Vista Ultimate are the ability to get the FREE extras as soon as they are available.

From the Microsoft web site:

Exclusive to Windows Vista Ultimate are Windows Ultimate Extras. Windows Ultimate Extras are add-ons that extend certain capabilities of your operating system or just make using your PC more fun. Windows Ultimate Extras currently available include:

Windows DreamScene, an Extra that enables you to use looped, full-motion video as your desktop wallpaper instead of a static image

Windows Hold’em, a poker game for players of all skill levels

Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.

Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace’s Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection

BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

Whenever a new Windows Ultimate Extra is ready for distribution by Microsoft, you will see the Ultimate Extra control panel inform you that there are new extras to download. Simply download and install the Extras and begin enjoying these exclusive software and services that give your Windows Vista experience an extra lift!

 

Yeah, that whole Ultimate thing... debateable value. Ah well.

 

I don't have Ultimate, I will get it soon, so all what I'm saying is what I have read, is not my personal experience.

 

I do have it. Unless you really like poker and pretty pictures, I don't recommend it, at least until they release some non-lame ultimates.

 

For the available features ultimate is not really worth buying.

 

Only advantage I can really see with Ultimate is, if your buying retail, you get the x64 disc included. You don't need to wait to order from MS.

 

I don't see a point to upgrading to Vista 64. You gain marginal speed n some situations, but are crippled if you run across hardware or software that isn't 64-bit compatible.

 

Eh, from my personal experience, I have yet to find anything that doesn't work. If your machine is new enough to have an x64 CPU, then the hardware will be new enough for the OS as well.

My moms older Athlon 64 from 2004ish runs x64, and she uses software as far back as 2002.

 

But if you have none of that hardware or software, you have no worries. And any company worth anything is going to make thier stuff 64 bit compatable (if not true 64 bit) from here out. People have been making this argument against 64 bit for years now. At some point, you have to bite the bullet. I would say now is as good a time as any.

 

Would games from 2001 work on Vista Ultimate 64 bit?

 

Most if not all will work fine. It's case by case, but chances are good.

 

Hey, two questions>

Is Vista Uultimate 64 bits powered?

will photoshop work on a 64 bit windows?

thanx!

 

Vista Ultimate 64 is 64 bit, 32 is 32 bit. I'd suggest googling photoshop for Vista and Vista 64 bit issues. If you find any, you can evaluate, or if you have questions after reading, you can ask here.

 

Actually, my question is because when u buy a Thinkpad in lenovo.com, there are 2 options for me> Bussines 64 bit, an Ultimate (just like that, no "64 bits" wrote anywhere), and like I want a 64 bit vista...I think i gotta stick to the bussiness 64 bit...

 

Don't know what you mean here... 64-bit applications with 64-bit DLLs run fine on their intended OS architectures; and 32-bit applications also run well on Vista x64 (or any 64-bit OS for that matter) with the use of an emulation layer. More than anything, applications that don't run on x64 Vista are uncommon. Of course, the fact is that some apps don't run on x64 Vista; but is that because of the OS, or just a poorly designed application? Just something to think about.

 

I understand your point, but sometimes if I have to use an application I need to use it, whether it is poorly designed or not. Same with not having any of the incompatible HW/SW right now. What if tomorrow I end up needing to use something incompatible?

But then I'm not very gung-ho about upgrading to the latest and greatest anyway. Wasted too much money in years past

 

Vista 64 isn't really the "latest and greatest" any more. 64 bit Windows has been around for a while (there was XP 64), and Vista has been out over a year too. It's more like proven top of the line. You shouldn't have concerns with Vista 64.

 

You could always go back to a 32 bit Vista if you aren't satisfied with the x64. Really, the only serious incompatabilities you'll run into are any drivers that are unavailable with new equipment you may buy. But since it's OEM, the OEM provides all the drivers for your new computer.

I've always been against average users using x64 OSes. But, the only way to know if yo'll be happy with the switch is to try it yourself. That's why I got myself a Macbook a few weeks ago. Nothing like first hand experience to see if you will actually like it.

 

There are way less problems now. Some manufacturers (like HP) are starting to put Vista 64 on the computers you buy at a store like bestbuy

 

Noted. Last time I was at Future Shop, I counted at least 3 HPs with x64 Vista.

Luckily I'm not running as many games as I had half a year ago, otherwise I would run Vista x86 (AOE3 seems to have issues).

 

Generally, Backwards - Compatibility is what you lose when you move to a new platform. Is the performance and software differences worth it? That's for each individual to decide for themselves.

 

I agree, some features may make sense to me but not to others. All depends what you will be using the compturer with, from there money is just the means to reach the goal.