T61 Windows Vista 64 vs. 32, Poll

[MCheiron]

Hello,

First of all, I am new to this forum, but really enjoy it. Sorry for this for some of you probably low level question but...

...since the new R61/T61(p) were "announced", also with a 64bit version of Windows Vista, I was wondering what the differences between the 32bit and 64bit version of Vista are?

How is the driver support of the 64bit version, and is there software available that is compatible with this version, especially CAD software? What are in general the advantages and disadvantages?

Thanks a lot for your help,

MCheiron

[jjesusfreak01]

From what I have heard, x64 driver support is okay. Its great for currently retailing devices, ok for things released in the last couple of years, and steeply goes downhill beyond that. 32 bit is the way to go for now. By the time the next version of Windows rolls around, companies will have been releasing 64 bit drivers for a few years, and the next version of Windows will be 64 bit, so dont worry. Unless you need it for something in particular, 32 bit is the way to go.

[MCheiron]

Thanks jjesusfreak01,

If driver support for new hardware is there, how is it with software? And what would be the advantage of a 64bit operation system?

[mybellyisempty]

I'm not buying a T61 (though I'd like to...but given that my T60 is only 2 months old...can't justify it)....but I've voted 64 bit.

I'm already running on 64 bit on my T60, and given that part of the Vista logo certification is that it supports 64 bit and 32 bit versions, I'm not worried about most software.

I say most, as Cisco's VPN software for Vista isn't 64 bit compatible, and the guys at my campus don't care enough to look into getting AnyConnect running....but I think I might have to push this info there way...since this will likely truly start 64 bit in the wild

[dr_st]

I'm not going to use either (for now at least), but Vista 32-bit doesn't make sense to me. It's like taking a step forward and then two steps back. If you think that going 64-bit isn't necessary now, going with Vista sure isn't necessary.

The more people will use the 64-bit version, the better hardware/software compatibility will become.

[jjesusfreak01]

Thanks jjesusfreak01,

If driver support for new hardware is there, how is it with software? And what would be the advantage of a 64bit operation system?

A 64bit system can run 32 bit software, though there are occasional incompatibilities (with programs that used 16bit drivers or installers). The advantage of a 64bit system is that certain programs (mainly for graphics, video, cad) are designed for 64bit processors, use 64bit commands, and are therefore faster on 64bit systems. If you dont use any programs like this, then there is no real reason to move to Vista 64bit.

[MCheiron]

Thanks for all your answers,

I think especially because of the CAD software I am using, the change to the 64bit version is probably a good thing.

Is there a fast way how to find out which programs are still in 16bit and therefore wouldn't run on the 64bit version.

[jjesusfreak01]

Thanks for all your answers,

I think especially because of the CAD software I am using, the change to the 64bit version is probably a good thing.

Is there a fast way how to find out which programs are still in 16bit and therefore wouldn't run on the 64bit version.

Programs generally are not in 16bit, but the installer programs they use occasionally are. Check to see if the programs you need (cad, or whatever) do actually support 64bit. They may or they may not. If they arent explicitly coded for 64bit, then its also possible that they have bugs running on 64bit windows, so make sure you know before you upgrade.