Thinkpads Forum

Hello!

I thought that my T60p should be my last old-technology 32 bit computer and T61p should be my first 64 bit computer. As I refer to the number of bits I include the operating system.

I understand from contributions in this group that Windows Vista Ultimate supports both 32 bit and 64 bit modes. I just want to be sure that it's also the case with the version Lenovo states to include, according to the PDF tabook document, which the knowledge-able people stating that 64 bit is included are obviously aware about, namely "Windows Vista Ultimate 32"?


Best regards,

Henrik Dahl

If it says "32", then it's "32", isn't it?

If you configure your system online, there's an option to purchase it with Vista x64 Business (not ultimate). I think you can upgrade once you have the machine, if I remember. Maybe not.

I just purchased one configured this way, so I'm sure it's possible! -- Ken

dr_st wrote:If it says "32", then it's "32", isn't it?

This is also what I fear and also the reason why I ask.


Best regards,

Henrik Dahl

I am just wondering whats the point right now to go to 64 bit. I am also daring to go there but it will only be to get the full 4 Gig of Memory or more in the future. As long as they have this stupid old BIOS, I think there is almost no benefit in going to a 64 bit OS.
So we need to wait for 2 things to happen:
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) and Vista 64 SP1.

Regards,

Wolfgang

Here's some advice: don't do it. There are no real advantages right now, so just put it out of your mind. However, if you buy the retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate, the DVD contains both the 32-bit and the 64-bit version, so you can install whichever suits your situation better.
And I think EFI came with the Santa Rosa platform, so the T61 series should have it.

freakwave wrote:I am just wondering whats the point right now to go to 64 bit. I am also daring to go there but it will only be to get the full 4 Gig of Memory or more in the future. As long as they have this stupid old BIOS, I think there is almost no benefit in going to a 64 bit OS.
So we need to wait for 2 things to happen:
EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) and Vista 64 SP1.

Regards,

Wolfgang

OK, if there's no benefit I'll not go for it.

I thought this was the case: When you use the 64 bit variant and use .NET software the address space of the given process is much larger than 2 GB.

May you confirm my expectation is wrong and you're right, i.e. no benefit in the 64 bit variant.

I completely do not care about conditions for old MS DOS software or old native unmanaged WIN 32 software.


Best regards,

Henrik Dahl

Pocket Aces wrote:Here's some advice: don't do it. ...

Agreed - Don't do it. I think the BIOS limitations are just idiotic, and the fact that 2GB RAM is so very expensive, and none exist beyond that amounut - what is the point??

Also came across this very recent comprehensive review on AnandTech that I think is very relevant for those willing to delve into the details:

http://www.anandtech.com/showdoc.aspx?i=3034

If you configure your system online, there's an option to purchase it with Vista x64 Business (not ultimate). I think you can upgrade once you have the machine, if I remember. Maybe not.

I just purchased one configured this way, so I'm sure it's possible! -- Ken

If I understand you correctly, you bought a T61 from Lenovo with Vista Bus 64 bit installed. I installed Ultimate 64 bit on a T60P with Core 2 Duo and have had enormous stability issues particularly with the anti virus software and HP officejet printer driver.

What has your experience been? What AV did Lenovo put on there? I have found that Norton will install (IS 2007 and 360) but it soon gets in the way and causes application crashes as well as communicaiton problems.

If you install the memory yourself, 4GB can be had quite cheap; Cost me about 250$. If you have that much memory in your T61, you need a 64 bit OS (I'm running x86_64 linux) to make use of it. If you have less ram, then there is no real advantage and you can just as well use the (older and hence better tested) 32 bit OS.

Just to fan the flames on the 32/64 debate a bit more, here's something that may become relevant sooner than a lot of us would have hoped:

http://www.anandtech.com/gadgets/showdoc.aspx?i=3034