Im about to order a new laptop pretty soon (probably today) and would like a little more input on this from the computer guys.
Depending on which model I go with (Dell brand) I could have a choice between operating systems...Windows XP, or Vista Home Premium or higher.

Are there still a lot of bugs out there with Vista that used to scare everyone away from it, or is it better now and actually pretty good?

Ive only played with it a few times in a computer store, but it looks faily easy to grasp and figure out what Im doing. Im still a little leary about it because of what I have heard in the past though.

Any input on what some of you guys who know a thing or two might do? I know just enough about computers to get me into trouble

One last thing...Im assuming some of the software I have that is designed to work on things like Windows 2000 and XP and the older versions will work on Vista too? Or no?

Thanks for any input guys

 

There are still quite a few pieces of software that have problems with Vista. Also MS will soon be putting out SP1 on Vista. Whether that will fix everything they broke from the Betas to final release of Vista, or break more, only time will tell. A lot depends on what software you have that you are carrying over to the new machine. You may have to purchase a newer version, or give that software up at least temporarily. Most software companies will not patch older versions of their software for a new operating system.

 

If you getting new stuff, get Vista. Next!

 

x2

 

^^^ X3 ^^^

Jump right in.

For most office productivity software, Vista has few problems supporting them.

You can check the compatability list on MS's site for updates.

I just installed two very new pre-SP1 release patches for both performance & reliability - and it runs better than ever now. No complaints here.

Bartak - you are prolly aware it's a resource pig - so spec the hardware accordingly - especially RAM - get lots & LOTs of RAM! LOL!. 2 gig is a good starting point - no less, IMHO, unless you wanna turn features off.

Good luck!

bubba

 

After being one of the early purchasers of Windows 98 when it came out, I've decided I'll never buy another Microsoft operating system unless it's been out at least a year, and then maybe.

Win 98 was thought to be a glorified Win95 SP3 if you will, and for the most part I agree that it was. But it still wasn't right, and I still played the search for drivers game and had some issues here and there.


We just got a new computer for our daughter a few months ago, and I got XP on it even though it has more than enough resources for Vista. Not heading down that road again, I'll let everyone else do the public mass beta testing.

 

I have Vista. It was weird at first but now I really like it. It takes some getting used to.

 

Okay!

That's what the pocket-protector crowd does!

When they're not attending GeekFests LOL!

Bubba

 

x2

 

I dunno anything about computers.






I'm just a post *****.

 

Don't listen to this guy. The differences between 98 and Vista are huge, and the beta program and testing on Vista was vastly superior. An Windows-NT based OS (NT, XP, Vista) is safe to jump into. 3.1, Win95, Win98, Millennium were all junk and never stood a chance.

 

Its ok, I dont mind having your, er, that fine azz in my thread



Yes, MGD, I have been told Vista is a mem hog. I was thinking the same thing, about 2 gigs minimum. I really havent found any laptops with much more than 2 gigs though. Maybe Im in just to low of a price point to find much more than that.
Plannin on a 120 gig hard drive and the best video card I can get in the computer too. Need a good sound card to hook an RTA up to it also.

I think Ill probably go with Vista...

 

Sumbish, all the rebates and chit that had me turned on to Dell are pretty much gone.



Inspiron 1520 Intel® Core™ 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/800Mhz FSB/4MB cache)
Operating System (Office software not included) Genuine Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition
System Color Jet Black
Memory 3GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 at 667MHz
LCD Panel Glossy, widescreen 15.4 inch display (1280x800)
Video Card 256MB NVIDIA® GeForce® 8600M GT
Hard Drive Size: 120GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.08
Combo or DVD+RW Drive CD writer / DVD player (Combo Drive)
Sound Card ExpressCard Sound Blaster X-Fi® Xtreme Audio Sound Card
Wireless Networking Cards Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g Mini-Card
Camera No Webcam Option
Office Productivity Software (Pre-Installed) Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
Anti-Virus/Security Suite (Pre-installed) No Security Subscription (30-day trial)
Battery Options 85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
Limited Warranty, Services and Support Options 2Yr In-Home Service, Parts + Labor, 24x7 Phone Support
Dell On Call No Dell On Call
CompleteCare Accidental Damage Service Add Accidental Damage and LoJack Theft Protection to 2Yr Warr.
Dial-Up Internet Access No ISP requested
Digital Media Editing Software Roxio Creator 9.0 Premier - Ultimate Burn/Authoring
Miscellaneous Inspiron 1520
Doms Camera Module Jet Black color w/o Camera
Processor Branding Intel® Core™2 Duo Label
Labels Windows Vista™ Premium
DataSafe Online Backup Free 3 GB Online Backup for 1Yr

Sub total:$1,921.00


1900 bucks....ehhh, about 2 weeks ago when I was figuring chit I could gotten it for about 1300.

 

My new Sony Vaio has XP pro. I needed to use a program for work that is not compatable with Vista. IF they come out with a Vista compliant version, then I may upgrade, but until then, I am sticking with XP. Plus, I am used to XP, have XP on my desktop at work, my home pc and my kids pc. Just easier to keep everything on the same OS.

Plus, I just have not found anything that Vista can do better than XP on the things that I use.

Add to that that I do not trust Microsoft's products for the first year or so. I'll probabaly upgrade, but not for a while.

Woof
Bowser

 

Bartak-

I just ordered almost to the T exactly what you listed, in the Vostro flavor (Dell).

Mine was $1,453 shipped out the door. If you want help/advice on getting deals feel free to PM me.

**I just noticed you said you priced it out for $1300~... which I just can't possibly see as right after taxes and everything with those options. I used over $150 instant off, numerous unbelievably low priced upgrades, AND a 20% coupon stacked on the end....all compliments of an HP notebook used for a price match at Dell.