Is Vista that big of an adjustment?

I am working on my PhD and I am buying a laptop & the deciding factor was down to Vista vs. XP. I am not technologically inclined, so if programs aren't working, it's a source of frustration and I don't really have any techie? friends who can help me out. Solving the problem myself (thru this site) takes me away from my work... So having Vista is what's stopping me from buying the Asus T7500. and this is why I wasn't considering a macbook.

Will it be that big of a problem if I switch to Vista?


The laptops I am contemplating:
(deciding btwn X61s - ASUS T7500 - HP2510p )

 

For the most part, Vista isn't that big of a problem. There are some parts where it can be rather buggy (i.e. notebooks not coming out of sleep), but problems like this are often fixed by keeping up with the Vista updates.

It really shouldn't be the deciding factor for buying your notebook, so I suggest you go ahead and get the Asus. If you want to have XP, you can try calling their customer service to see if they can specially build your notebook with it...

 

Well i'm not sure how extensive your knowledge is of the Mac OS, but i if you're considering going to a Mac for the first time over a swap from XP to Vista, i can tell you that you'll have a much easier time with the migration to Vista. What it would boil down to for me (if i was in your shoes) is what software you are using. If everything you are using is from within the last 1-3 years, then Vista is completely safe. If you are using old, outdated software from say classes you took during your undergrad from 5+ years ago, then you might want to stick with XP, or confirm their compatibility. My other recommendation would be to take a run down to your local Best Buy or Circuit City, and just tinker on a Vista computer for 10 minutes. Several things are renamed in Vista, but the overall feel, and look (outside of Aero) is pretty much the same as XP. To put it another way, you won't even notice you're using a "new" OS after the first few days because it really isn't all that much different.

And if you're going for your PhD in 2007, how can you not be computer literate by now.......lol

 

And if you get lost in Vista, use its built in search. I use it extensively and it become my favorite and most-used feature in Vista.

 

For me Vista is not really an adjustment at all. Its really easy to use. I do not find anything annoying about Vista and I even have the UAC on. I am a college student and I have had no incompatibility experiences with my applications (internet, instant messaging, engineering apps, protection software)

My main concern was about memory usage, but that got quickly resolved. Vista does use quite a bit of memory, but it uses it differently than Windows XP does.

My custom built Windows XP desktop has 2GB memory, about 160GB HDD, and has the Intel D945GNT chipset. When the memory goes below 1.2-1.3GB, I notice a slight decrease in performance and response.

On my FZ, Vista uses on average 750MB memory on idle, and about 900MB on average usage. However, it handles a large load very well. Best example and experience is yesterday when I had two heavy computing programs running, Firefox with 5-6 tabs, Thunderbird for work email, Windows Media Player, iPod charging, video chatting on Skype, Microsoft Excel Sheet, and all of this while copying files (approximately 700MB) from a USB to my HDD. Only 1.07GB was being consumed, and there was no lag in performance, for any application, even the 3D flip feature.

You also say you are looking into the X61. Someone should confirm or correct me, but I think a lot of the Thinkpads have Windows XP has an option. For being on the safe side, and for simple usage, I would advise you go for Windows XP. If you can spend in the $1200-1400 range, any Vista laptop will come with high end configurations and the Intel Core 2 Duo technology will handle Vista well.

Best of luck.

 

I've been using Vista for a couple of weeks now, and I really have no complaints about it thus far. There's been a few times when it refuses to play nice with some software or something, but it's all been resolved so far with updates and the like.

 

I met a girl at Uni the other day and had to explain to her that her shiny new $2,000 notebook didn't come with Microsoft Office, it came with a trial edition. She wasn't too happy when she found out that she had spent a lot more money then she needed to and her computer didn't even come with the software she needed.

I'd say the biggest danger from being somewhat computer illiterate isn't mastering a new OS (Most of the things that annoy people about Vista are things that higher level users are doing) but from getting cheated by sales reps who give you poor information at the store.

As someone else suggested, if you have a number of older programs that you like to use you will need to MAKE SURE that they can run well in Vista. Be very mindful of what bloatware comes on your new notebook and keep in mind that it's unlikely to come shipped with your favorite productivity suite (unless you like Microsoft Works).

The Vostro 1000, 1500, and Compaq V6000TX are all good lower end choice notebooks that still come optioned with Windows XP if you don't think you're ready to take the plunge.

 

I agree so much with what the other members are saying about Vista. You want a laptop with hardware fast enough to make the most of it, too.
Many complaints about new OS's are when a user upgrades their old computer and they don't have enough RAM or fast enough processor. And, as has been said, advanced users that get irritable about the hidden files so they can't tweak as easily. That won't be your situation
Changing to a OSX would be certainly more challanging. I am a moderately advanced user, not expert, but I hold my own with anything M$ dishes out. I looked at a Macbook Pro before buying the G1s since I could dual boot with XP . Then I reconsidered because it was not to my advantage and basically seemed pointless for my needs.
Go for Vista - You'll be pleasantly surprised. I'm really enjoying it ! All the best, Robin

 

thank you all so much for your insight-

i think i will go for vista- it's compatible w/the software (i called the MF today) w/a downloadable patch and their newest version will come out by years end anyways.

algus-my main concern w/buying something higher end, was that I want lightweight w/docking stn and be able to run multiple applications w/little decrease in performance.

 

It just eats more ram up then xp, besides that i have been running games fine and the system is actually pretty cool

 

For the most part, Vista involves a new interface that rearranges things like Control Panel applet for no logical reason. Also, be prepared to have to deal with the problems that come with a new OS. If you are unsure about Vista, go to a retail store and fiddle around with it to see for yourself. Personally, I have a negative opinion of Vista.