Windows 7 vs Windows Vista on T40P

[plmijn]

Hello all,

I am currently using windows 7 on my T40P. Because of the inferior video card (ATI FireGL 9000), I don't have the Aero effect (which I have expected), can't install the Ati CPANEL and have video playback problems. And the player that allows me to play limited types of videos is VideoLan. So, I would like know if I will be experiencing the same thing when I use windows Vista on T40P? Thanks for answering this question.

[ajkula66]

Yes you'll be in the same position with Vista, even worse in many respects.

If you don't like how W7 is running on that T40p, you'll likely hate Vista.

My advice would be to go back to XP, but it's your ThinkPad.

Good luck.

[underclocker]

...Because of the inferior video card (ATI FireGL 9000)...

The funny thing is that this was the superior video card, the top of the line for a ThinkPad when it was released. From superior to inferior in 7 years. Technology.

[Tasurinchi]

because of the inferior video card (ATI FireGL 9000), I don't have the Aero effect (which I have expected), can't install the Ati CPANEL and have video playback problems

I had Win7 Ultimate installed in my ex-X31 with a more inferior graphic card than your T40p and never had problems with video playback (no HD videos tough) or any kind of graphic issue. I also did not have Aero, but that is not a big loss according to me.

My father has a R50 with (I think) the same card as yours (with 16MB RAM) and he can also watch videos and surf the web without any problems. Again no Aero in that machine.

Did you check if Windows Update and Lenovo System Update picked up the right updates? For the X31 the install was tricky, you can check here how I made it work , (but that was using the RC)

Hope this helps!

Cheers

[lukee]

Hi plmijn,

as many people here said, Vista has more demands than Windows 7, especially your HDD will be busy more time, than in W7. If you want Vista very much, buy fast HDD or SSD. Otherwise W7 is better solution (use Classic theme), XP is fast but in current time old and not so secure. For Vista & W7 the 2GB of RAM is essential!

[dr_st]

I agree with the comments here. Win7 is an improved Vista. A lot of the improvement is in the responsiveness. Therefore, Vista will not feel snappier on your old hardware, more likely the other way around.

If you are choosing a fresh operating system to install now, I would go with Win7 all the way, if you can get it to play nice with your hardware. The only case where I see it may be an advantage to use Vista is if you absolutely cannot stand the new visual themes and want the classic look/behavior. Win7 has it, but it's not complete and doesn't feel quite right. But then again, if you are an advocate of the old look, you may as well stick with XP.

[pianowizard]

have video playback problem

Reducing the resolution to 1024x768 or even 800x600 and the color depth to 16-bit will help. Of course, when you're done watching the video, you should revert to the original settings.

[sjthinkpader]

...If you want Vista very much, buy fast HDD or SSD. Otherwise W7 is better solution...

Win7 has TRIM function to support (newer) SSD while Vista doesn't.