I'm 64-bit ready. Have a few inquiries...:)

[Crunch]

Alrighty, so my T7600 (Core 2 Duo @2.33GHz each) is on its way, and it is the fastest one I can plug into my Thinkpad T60p. Before I go to replace my current T2500 Core Duo, I have a couple of questions:

I want to set up a triple, or quad-boot system: XP SP2 (for emergency purposes only), Vista Ultimate x86 (which will remain my main OS), Vista Ultimate x64 (to start exploring the world of 64-bit), and possibly Windows Home Server.

I have 200GB to play with. I would allocate maybe 10GB to the XP partition, 100GB to Vista x86, the remaining 90GB for Vista x64, if I don't go the Home Server route, and if I do, 50GB for Home Server, and 40GB for Vista x64. Does this sound reasonable?

Also, do I need to purchase a 2nd license of Vista for the 64-bit version?

Are the following applications available in 64-bit? MS Office 2007, Firefox, AIM 6.5, VLAN player, AVG or avast virus scanners, and Diskeeper? I believe all of the drivers of my T60p are available in 64-bit. Maybe 64-bit is like Mac's. No virus scanner necessary (yet)??

Finally, where will I see the difference? T2500 vs. T7600...gaining 2MB L2 cache and 233MHz in CPU speed, or am I comparing apples and oranges? How will I benefit from 64-bit? Yet additional speed from what I hear. What else?

This will be fun! I'm such a geek.

Thanks all!

[erik]

if you're going to install XP SP2 as a backup/fall-back OS then why install vista 32?   if this were my system i would install XP SP2 on a small partition, vista 64 on a large partition, skip vista 32 entirely, and install windows home server on a totally separate machine.

vista 64 may be a 64-bit OS but it has a 32-bit emulation mode built-in so all of the apps you mentioned will work as advertised.   there are very few 64-bit-native apps out right now.   the only 64-bit apps i have are autocad 2008 and an ISO recorder snap-in -- that's it.   everything else is 32-bit and runs just fine.

after using vista 32 and 64 side-by-side for a few weeks, i wouldn't go back to 32 unless absolutely necessary.   even if i buy an X-series i'd run 64 because of its speed and reliability.   having XP Pro SP2 to fall back on is all i need for backwards compatibility.   vista 32 is off my radar.

as far as windows home server goes, that should be installed on its own system so it can work as intended; a server for your home media.   even if you put it on a second thinkpad, at least it could be left up and running for easy access.

your 200GB drive will format down to about 186.nnGB so i'd recommend allocating 12GB to XP (so it has enough pagefile space) and the remaining 164.nnGB to vista x64.   if you absolutely do need to install windows home server on the same system then allocate 100GB to vista and 64GB to WHS.

install vista x64 last.   vista's boot loader can load XP and WHS but XP's loader cannot load vista.

vista x64 loves memory so, depending on your intended use, be prepared to install 2GB at a bare minimum or 3GB to max out the system for best performance.

the only caveat i will give is that vista 64 isn't for everyone.   sure it's the newest/coolest flavor of vista but it does take a lot of patience in setting up since driver and application support can be hit-or-miss.   don't expect all of your peripherals to work right away.   and, be prepared to use XP for some of your older apps if they aren't vista-friendly.   i have two apps which absolutely will not install under vista 64 because they are 16-bit and i have to use XP for them (or i need to look into VMWare).

good luck!

[rvacha]

Perhaps you should Google first? And did you actually buy this machine? If so why the poll?

[rvacha]

Why in the world would you need triple or quad OSes? Have you bothered to see what your apps will run on?

[Crunch]

Well, I like playing around with operating systems, for one. I also enjoy beta testing them. So I'm a geek.

As to the question why I should skip Vista 32-bit altogether is based on an article I read. Supposedly, and INCLUDING the 32-bit emulator, all drivers MUST be signed, or certified. I believe my drivers are all 64-bit compatible, but what if I come across something in the future that is not 64-bit capable? I'd love to skip Vista x86. I just don't know if that would be a viable option. Also, is it true that I need a Core 2 Duo for 64-bit? I have a Core Duo, but am getting a Core 2 Duo?

[erik]

I believe my drivers are all 64-bit compatible, but what if I come across something in the future that is not 64-bit capable?

that's what you'd use XP for.   there's really no good reason to have XPP, VU32, and VU64 installed simultaneously unless you're a fan of wasted space.   a true geek wouldn't waste that much space.

Also, is it true that I need a Core 2 Duo for 64-bit? I have a Core Duo, but am getting a Core 2 Duo?

the Core Duo is a 32-bit processor and the Core 2 Duo is a 64-bit processor.   you need a C2D for vista x64.

[Crunch]

I believe my drivers are all 64-bit compatible, but what if I come across something in the future that is not 64-bit capable?

that's what you'd use XP for. there's really no good reason to have XPP, VU32, and VU64 installed simultaneously unless you're a fan of wasted space. a true geek wouldn't waste that much space.

Also, is it true that I need a Core 2 Duo for 64-bit? I have a Core Duo, but am getting a Core 2 Duo?

the Core Duo is a 32-bit processor and the Core 2 Duo is a 64-bit processor. you need a C2D for vista x64.

It did seem like a bit much. Even for me. LOL...And yes, at first I figured I'd use XP for anything incompatible, but I just want to continue to use Vista exclusively. The Windows folder in XP only takes up about 1.5GB, and that's with very basic apps installed.

However, I agree, it does seem silly to have two Vista versions installed and looking at Home Server more closely, I decided against that. Plus someone here said it wouldn't install on a laptop??

Anyway, I am VERY excited! I just purchased my DREAM machine. T60p Core Duo T2600 (2.16GHz), 15" UXGA IPS Flexview, 100GB 7,200rpm, 2GB installed, ATI V5200 256MB, and loaded with all the rest like biometric security, TPM, WWAN, etc.

The seller is a totally awesome guy, too, with the potential of friendship. Sooooooo...That T7600 (Core 2 Duo, 2.33GHz) is obviously going into my (hopefully shipped) new T60p.

So let's see. I have 2GB in my current T60p, too, and I know it's upgradeable to a maximum 3GB's. I don't remember if there were two slots empty when I put the extra GB in, or if I need one 2GB chip?

Also, no more screen swapping questions. LOL...A while ago, I posted about a second laptop, since I had always wanted a backup in case of an emergency. Hmm...Now I'm kind of looking at widescreens as a possibility since I watch a lot of movies. Maybe a 17" WSXGA+ from Sony? They have this HiBRITE technology. Who knows what that is. This would be my first NON-Thinkpad, ever. It seems kind of silly to literally have almost the exact same laptop as a backup with the only exception being the screen resolution.

I welcome any and all suggestions.

[erik]

if your T60p has 2GB then it either has two 1GB modules or one 2GB module.   to get 3GB you'll need a 2GB and a 1GB module as there are only two slots available.

if you want a laptop to watch HD movies then you need WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution as those movies are 1920x1080 pixels.   WSXGA+ just won't cut it without pixellation.

on that note, i don't know why you don't just buy a WUXGA T61p as it will run vista and play HD movies with no problem.   if you need a better display then simply add a lenovo thinkvision L220x as it uses a 22" WUXGA S-PVA display with 1200:1 contrast.   for what you'd spend on two laptops you could have a single laptop that kicks the crap out of the other two.   just my two cents.

[Crunch]

if your T60p has 2GB then it either has two 1GB modules or one 2GB module. to get 3GB you'll need a 2GB and a 1GB module as there are only two slots available.

if you want a laptop to watch HD movies then you need WUXGA (1920x1200) resolution as those movies are 1920x1080 pixels. WSXGA+ just won't cut it without pixellation.

on that note, i don't know why you don't just buy a WUXGA T61p as it will run vista and play HD movies with no problem. if you need a better display then simply add a lenovo thinkvision L220x as it uses a 22" WUXGA S-PVA display with 1200:1 contrast. for what you'd spend on two laptops you could have a single laptop that kicks the crap out of the other two. just my two cents.

Hey erik,

I see your point. Well, I've seen a few T61's and T61p's, and I put my T60p (the one I've had for about 8 months, which has SXGA+) right next to a WSXGA one, and as someone who has worked and played with IPS screens for years, I am just not impressed.

I already bought, and just received notification of it having been shipped, the T60p with 15" UXGA and IPS Flexview. All I will have to do is put in the T7600 C2D chip along with the 200GB 7k2 drive, and this baby will kick butt. It took me months to even find one at all, and those I did find were always close to $3,000. So that will be my main machine for a while to come. I can't wait for this powerhouse to be delivered. I like the 4:3 ratio for working on it.

I think I'll sell my current T60p (with 2GB, since you said there are only two slots), buy a cheap T42p as a backup machine and do what you suggested, and get a flatscreen monitor for movies. I had a similar idea when I saw my dad's 22" WUXGA screen. He does a lot of editing of his own movies from when my parents go on a trip, and he also had all of his older Super 8 movies converted. I've watched him, and it's a lot of work. But he likes it. How much is the Thinkvision L220x? Is it pretty heavy?

[rvacha]

I'm still confused... The T60p can't address more than 3GB (-ish), so why even do a 64 bit OS? What's the point? Currently the world is filled with non-optimized 64-bit drivers if you are lucky to find them at all. You didn't bother to max out the memory on your machine so you can't leverage 64-bit even if the hardware would let you.

[STRYPER]

Well, I like playing around with operating systems, for one. I also enjoy beta testing them. So I'm a geek.

I hate to tell you this but Vista, and XP for that matter, are no longer in beta...

[erik]

the L220x is $500 retail and 23.1 lbs.

i've gotta side with rvacha here... what is your intended purpose of running vista 64?   hopefully the reason isn't just because it's 'new and cool'.   i use it because of autocad 2008 x64 and 4GB support for autocad, illustrator, photoshop, and lightroom.   otherwise vista 64 is a major pain in the butt due to the serious lack of driver and application support, let alone all of the minor issues that would probably have me banging my head against the wall had i not come from a thorough knowledge of the OS from using server 2003 over the last three years.

and, STRYPER is correct, there is no "beta" testing left to do with vista as many here already know that vista has serious bugs and will test one's patience.   the x64 version is probably more stable than x86 but at the expense of a ton of sacrifices.

if you want to "play" with vista just to get your feet wet then why not just save your money, skip the C2D processor, and use vista 32?   vista 64 is definitely not for everyone so make sure you know what you're getting into here.   once they're up and running, vista 32 and 64 look and feel exactly the same.

food for thought.

[RonS]

I've been running Vista 64 (dual-boot when necessary to XP-32) and it took me a LONG time to sort out all the problems. It's not for the timid or impatient. But now that I've figured out which services to disable, background tasks to shut down, and settings to set, it's a pure joy to use. On the rare occasion that I need to go back and use XP, it feels slow and crude by comparison.

I can run piles of programs, max out the CPU, and programs still open in a heartbeat. The GUI never seems to lock-up momentarily as does XP.

I'm developing 64-bit code, and I'm also the designatied "stuck-ee" for new technology in the loose band of people I work with. I'm looking five years down the road when, possibly, our whole organization will migrate to Vista 64. I'll have the experience needed to help work through the problems.

I've started a "Non-definitive list of Vista Optmiziations for Thinkpads" but I haven't posted it yet. I'll put it to the Vista forum when its ready.

Also, to chime in on an earlier comment...

- If you're going to max out the memory on your T60p, you may was well go for 4GB. You won't see all of it, but using identical SODIMMs enables symmetric dual-channel memory, which gives you a *slight* speed boost. Memory for the T60p is so cheap recently, why not? 2GB modules are running around $45 these days, while 1GB modules run around $25.

[Crunch]

Well, I like playing around with operating systems, for one. I also enjoy beta testing them. So I'm a geek.

I hate to tell you this but Vista, and XP for that matter, are no longer in beta...

Oh jeezz...really?

[Crunch]

the L220x is $500 retail and 23.1 lbs.

i've gotta side with rvacha here... what is your intended purpose of running vista 64? hopefully the reason isn't just because it's 'new and cool'. i use it because of autocad 2008 x64 and 4GB support for autocad, illustrator, photoshop, and lightroom. otherwise vista 64 is a major pain in the butt due to the serious lack of driver and application support, let alone all of the minor issues that would probably have me banging my head against the wall had i not come from a thorough knowledge of the OS from using server 2003 over the last three years.

Hmm interesting. No, lol, it wouldn't be for the coolness factor. I am certainly not interested in problems of any kind. A buddy of mine who uses a C2D said "Get the C2D", and I asked why, to which he replied "It's unbelievably fast (boot time, shutdown, app startup, etc.)" He has a Macbook, though. I just figured, alright, I'll try it I guess, since I get the parts free from IBM. When do you foresee 64-bit to be feasible to start using?

and, STRYPER is correct, there is no "beta" testing left to do with vista as many here already know that vista has serious bugs and will test one's patience. the x64 version is probably more stable than x86 but at the expense of a ton of sacrifices.

Do you really think I am not cognizant of the fact that beta testing stopped when the RTM was released? I considered stryper's little comment a poor attempt at humor. I have really no problems with vista x86. Since I'm getting the T7600 sent this week, I thought, alright, why not try it out? But if it's as much a hassle as you're saying, I'll likely leave it alone. But at the same time, you say the x64 is more stable? I don't get it.[/quote]

if you want to "play" with vista just to get your feet wet then why not just save your money, skip the C2D processor, and use vista 32? vista 64 is definitely not for everyone so make sure you know what you're getting into here. once they're up and running, vista 32 and 64 look and feel exactly the same.

food for thought.

I've been using Vista 32-bit almost exclusively for 6 months now. And I love it. No problems at all. As for the C2D, it's already on its way, and like I said, no charge, so being that I'm getting a T2600 in the T60p I got a killer deal on, it's ever so slightly, and likely not noticeably faster than my T2500. 116MHz. lol...What do you think I will gain by putting in the T7600. The C2D part, and 233MHz more, plus double the L2 cache. Am I going to notice that at all? Maybe I'll just sell it then...The additional 2MB of L2 cache. How might I benefit from that?

Thanks erik...

[Crunch]

I've been running Vista 64 (dual-boot when necessary to XP-32) and it took me a LONG time to sort out all the problems. It's not for the timid or impatient. But now that I've figured out which services to disable, background tasks to shut down, and settings to set, it's a pure joy to use. On the rare occasion that I need to go back and use XP, it feels slow and crude by comparison.

I can run piles of programs, max out the CPU, and programs still open in a heartbeat. The GUI never seems to lock-up momentarily as does XP.

I'm developing 64-bit code, and I'm also the designatied "stuck-ee" for new technology in the loose band of people I work with. I'm looking five years down the road when, possibly, our whole organization will migrate to Vista 64. I'll have the experience needed to help work through the problems.

I've started a "Non-definitive list of Vista Optmiziations for Thinkpads" but I haven't posted it yet. I'll put it to the Vista forum when its ready.

Also, to chime in on an earlier comment...

- If you're going to max out the memory on your T60p, you may was well go for 4GB. You won't see all of it, but using identical SODIMMs enables symmetric dual-channel memory, which gives you a *slight* speed boost. Memory for the T60p is so cheap recently, why not? 2GB modules are running around $45 these days, while 1GB modules run around $25.

Thanks RonS,

Well, it seems to be consistent of what erik, and several others say in this forum, as well as others that I am a member of. So if I installed 64-bit, and let's say you tell me what services to kill and whatnot, would that make it bearable to use? I would really only install a Vista 64-bit edition for experimental purposes. But apparently, it would only cause me headaches and problems. What's your opinion on the C2D T7400 vs. the CD T2600? Should I bother? Thanks RonS

[erik]

if you're getting the processor free or cheap then you might as well keep it.   with proper application of arctic silver 5, it should prove to be both speedy and reliable.

vista x64 is more stable due to the fact that it's based on the 64-bit server 2003 base code and server 2003 in all flavors is nearly bombproof.   however, given the lack of driver/application support and the associated quirks that vista has even after tedious optimization, i wouldn't personally recommend it to anyone but those experienced with system administration of server 2003.

vista 32 will probably be more mainstream once SP1 is available.   vista 64, however, won't catch on until more applications are written in 64-bit-native versions -- a task that will require a lot of time and development.   i honestly don't see it moving anywhere near mainstream until 2009.

if you're adept at using vista 32 and don't have any "need" for vista x64 (outside of playing with it) then i'd recommend sticking with 32.   if you do decide to install x64 then toss it on a spare drive so you can wipe and reinstall as necessary.   you can always use an ultrabay adapter and boot to that drive using F12 at startup.

like ron, i have compiled my own list of how to set up and optimize vista x64 but am nowhere near finished.   it's mainly for my own use as there are literally hundreds of tweaks i made and i'd never remember them all without a formal list.   it takes a solid day just getting it set up and optimized in real life let alone the time it takes to make a guide.

i'm not saying don't do it... just know what you're up against, that's all.   an optimized vista x64 installation is fast as hell with a maxed-out system but might not be as good without a top processor, 4GB, and a looooong list of tweaks.

[Crunch]

snipped

Alright, I am convinced. 64-bit project canceled. I definitely don't have the patience lol...The scenario you described would require me to have to take way too many Xanax.

I'll just continue with Vista 32. I have not had to boot into XP in at least 5 months or so. When I get my new T60p, I'll partition it to where XP gets 10GB max.

So given that I no longer really need the C2D for 64-bit, what difference do you think I will see with the following:

Core 2 Duo T7600 vs. Core Duo T2600 (actual CPU speed difference is 166MHz, but then there is the 4MB of L2 cache?)

and

100GB 5,400rpm vs. 100GB 7,200rpm (everything just a little faster? bootup? shutdown? App execution?)

Will I see any real life difference?

I know where I will see a GIGANTIC difference. 15" UXGA with IPS Flexview. :D

Thanks erik, for your advice...as well as putting up with my UXGA IPS threads LOL. Your time spent on my questions in recent weeks has not gone unnoticed. Let me know if you need a part or two.

[erik]

here is a comparison of those exact two processors: http://www.hothardware.com/printarticle ... icleid=864

i wouldn't say it's a huge difference but that's up to you.   like i said before, if you got the processor free or relatively cheap then you might as well keep it if you're proficient in changing notebook processors or know someone who is.

regarding hard drives, i'll never use anything slower than 7200 RPM unless it's in a machine built for battery life and not performance (like an X61T or X61s).   otherwise 7200 RPM is standard-issue on all of my thinkpads as this can make a more noticeable speed difference than changing processors.

[Crunch]

here is a comparison of those exact two processors: http://www.hothardware.com/printarticle ... icleid=864

i wouldn't say it's a huge difference but that's up to you. like i said before, if you got the processor free or relatively cheap then you might as well keep it if you're proficient in changing notebook processors or know someone who is.

regarding hard drives, i'll never use anything slower than 7200 RPM unless it's in a machine built for battery life and not performance (like an X61T or X61s). otherwise 7200 RPM is standard-issue on all of my thinkpads as this can make a more noticeable speed difference than changing processors.

Hey erik, once again, thank you for this in-depth comparison. Looks like the T7600 would be up to 34% (two other comparisons say 8% and 17% respectively) faster than the T2600. The only drawback is the battery life, but I could care less. I will have three 9-cell batteries, for one, and I pretty much use it as a desktop replacement unit 99% of the time. The only exception are those transatlantic flights, and I've just recently started to watch movies and/or done some work with it on planes. Plus, I can just set it to Powersaver mode, disable all the stuff I don't need, so that's fine.

XP 64-bit. Since XP is almost 6 years old, there ought to be 64-bit drivers for pretty much anything, or is it as much a pain as Vista x64?

Well, I think I'm capable of plugging that baby in, and I have upgraded the BIOS 5 times this year alone, all due to Vista issues I assume.

So there would be only two concerns as far as I can tell right now. One would be the overheating issue. The T60/p series is known for that, and although my current T60p used to overheat constantly (only on Vista, by the way), the problem has pretty much disappeared. The other being the warranty. Although I can get non-CRU (Customer Replaceable Unit) parts, do you think that might void the warranty? The T7600 is NOT a CRU part, as opposed to an Ultrabay drive, hard drive, or memory stick, to name a few examples.

The latter is not REALLY a concern. I can always switch it back to the T2600 that's in there in the highly unlikely event that anything will require warranty service. In my 8 years of using nothing but Thinkpads, there has not been a SINGLE occurrence where I needed warranty. And I've had MANY different ones.

[erik]

XP x64 has less support than vista right now.   64-bit just hasn't caught on in the windows world.

swapping processors will void your warranty.   you could replace the original T2600 in the event of a warranty claim but still run the risk of a denial of warranty if service techs can tell that something was removed and replaced.   the risk is up to you as i can't recommend one way or the other.

[dfumento]

In my 8 years of using nothing but Thinkpads, there has not been a SINGLE occurrence where I needed warranty. And I've had MANY different ones.

I have also been using Thinkpads for eight years, but I've had to send laptops back twice (once for dead motherboard -- A31p), I had a hard drive die on a one month old T42, I had an ethernet mini-pci go as well that had to be replaced. I've always had great service. Overnight by 10AM on the parts, laptops repaired in one day when sent in. Just wanted to ensure that people keep their units in warranty.

[Crunch]

XP x64 has less support than vista right now. 64-bit just hasn't caught on in the windows world.

swapping processors will void your warranty. you could replace the original T2600 in the event of a warranty claim but still run the risk of a denial of warranty if service techs can tell that something was removed and replaced. the risk is up to you as i can't recommend one way or the other.

Gotya. Well, I'll max this baby out, so that T7600 is going in when my T60p gets here. It left the United States yesterday for its transaltantic journey, so Thanksgiving won't get in the way. LOL...

In my 8 years of using nothing but Thinkpads, there has not been a SINGLE occurrence where I needed warranty. And I've had MANY different ones.

I have also been using Thinkpads for eight years, but I've had to send laptops back twice (once for dead motherboard -- A31p), I had a hard drive die on a one month old T42, I had an ethernet mini-pci go as well that had to be replaced. I've always had great service. Overnight by 10AM on the parts, laptops repaired in one day when sent in. Just wanted to ensure that people keep their units in warranty.

That's good to know. I think I'll be good to go for a year and a half with my upcming T60p. Anyone know what's next? T62/p's?

[madcow]

Well, I like playing around with operating systems, for one. I also enjoy beta testing them. So I'm a geek.

As to the question why I should skip Vista 32-bit altogether is based on an article I read. Supposedly, and INCLUDING the 32-bit emulator, all drivers MUST be signed, or certified. I believe my drivers are all 64-bit compatible, but what if I come across something in the future that is not 64-bit capable? I'd love to skip Vista x86. I just don't know if that would be a viable option. Also, is it true that I need a Core 2 Duo for 64-bit? I have a Core Duo, but am getting a Core 2 Duo?

You could try running those operating systems in a virtual machine. That way you won't have to deal with partitions. try
www.virtualbox.org

[Crunch]

Thanks! Awesome find. Well, that reminds me. I want to finally get a feel for Linux. I don't even know where to start. I'm done with XP, so I was hoping for Vista x64, but it looks like a big nono. Hmmm....

[pae77]

A couple of days ago I received my new t61p w. vista bus x64 preinstalled. I figured I would give it a try and downgrade to vista 32 or XP if I couldn't handle it or didn't like it.

It's been a bit of a struggle so far getting acclimated and getting this set up more or less the way I want, but it is getting better and better and I'm starting to like it. I haven't been able to get all the things I would like to run to run yet, but most of my apps (all the mission critical ones) seem to working OK so far.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to keep using it but based on my experience so far, I'm pretty happy with it. Of course this is just after using and tweeking it for a couple of days and I have a lot of tweeking left to do as well as more programs to install. I would love to see some of those lists of tweeks Vx64 people were talking about.

One little thing that is bugging me is that the desktop icons seem kind of large using the aero interface (which I like) and I can't figure out how to make them shrink a bit, but that's a relatively minor issue.

[dfumento]

I have also been using Thinkpads for eight years, but I've had to send laptops back twice (once for dead motherboard -- A31p), I had a hard drive die on a one month old T42, I had an ethernet mini-pci go as well that had to be replaced. I've always had great service. Overnight by 10AM on the parts, laptops repaired in one day when sent in. Just wanted to ensure that people keep their units in warranty.

That's good to know. I think I'll be good to go for a year and a half with my upcming T60p. Anyone know what's next? T62/p's?

You can extend the warranty with Lenovo while the warranty is still in effect and if you like you laptop that might be the best thing while you have a few months left.

[erik]

One little thing that is bugging me is that the desktop icons seem kind of large using the aero interface (which I like) and I can't figure out how to make them shrink a bit, but that's a relatively minor issue.

right-click the desktop > View > Classic Icons

[pae77]

Wow, that was easy!

Thanks a lot for that tip. I was very good with XP but I have so much to learn with Vista 64, but I can already see that this will most likely be excellent once I get up to speed with it.

[moosport]

Thanks! Awesome find. Well, that reminds me. I want to finally get a feel for Linux. I don't even know where to start. I'm done with XP, so I was hoping for Vista x64, but it looks like a big nono. Hmmm....

You should try using VMware to test various versions of OS. IT is much easier to manage.

I have VMWare Server running on Fedora 7. I virtualized 3 instances. 2 Linux and 1 XP. If I need to make a change which may break something, I just take a snapshot prior to the change. Else I just clone the partition.

If only I had the T-61 instead, I would had install 4G.