Vista SP2

[taichi]

Yes..I'm one of those still running Vista (32 Ultimate) on my T60P, with no complaints, slowdowns, or any other problems.

However, with Vista support ending mid year for anyone running Vista without service pack 2, I'm obviously needing to go from SP1 to SP2...something I've held off on because of some reports of problems installing the latter.

In particular, SP2 has been known to cause sound problems for some, and some program incompatibilty, including the ThinkVantage update application.

I'd appreciate any informed feedback on this.

Thanks!

[craigmontHunter]

There was an update released for the system update, I too am running vista, and I find it (sp2) to be just as fast and stable as windows 7 (And it has a classic start menu ) - I can't speak for the sound issue specific for the t60, but I have not had any problems. (I put sp2 on before anything else, so I am positive that TVSU works perfectly )

[taichi]

Would you apply the Lenovo update before SP2?

By the way, did you do a full backup before applying the service pack?

It's funny how Vista, which got such a bad rap, works quite smoothly with SP1. So, in your experience, do you find Vista SP2 to be comparable to Win 7?

Thanks

[craigmontHunter]

I just did a clean install of vista x64 sp1, and then installed sp2, then ran the system update - since I had the update downloaded already, I figured it was easier (I was upgrading from xp pro)

I would recommend a backup, but that is just standard advice. I find it to be very simmilar to windows 7, I like it more then 7 personally (IMHO they butchered the "classic" windows desktop in 7) It is definately as snappy, and the limited games I play work just as well. I would strongly reccomend updating, because any incompatilities should be fixed by now.

[taichi]

Thanks for all that.

I appreciate your independent stance on Vista.

I have another laptop with Vista 64, but Vista 32 Ultimate has never given me a bit of trouble. I can even play Far Cry on my T60P in Vista without a hiccup, although it's not supposed to run on Vista.

Does 7 replace the classic start menu with a ribbon? I thought you could optionally use a classic interface.

[craigmontHunter]

I was using 32 for a time, and I went to x64 when I went up to 4gb ram (huge improvement in some graphics performance, even in 32-bit) - I did the upgrade in both 32 and 64 bit, no issues with either. There was another thread here about vista and how maligned it was. IMHO, vista was put on systems that were incapable of running it, and that is what people were running it on "vista capable" did not mean "good vista performance" - get a core duo or a core 2 duo and enough ram (and sp2), vista runs like a champ.

In windows 7, you can have a classic color scheme, but you have to have the new startmenu and taskbar style nomatter what. I prefer the windows 2000 style.

[taichi]

We must think alike. I ran Windows 2000 on my venerable A21P, and loved its stability and its visual clarity, as well as its logical file structure.

A friend of mine also prefers the Vista Media menus and functions to those in Windows 7.

The start menu is a lot clearer and more logical than that in Windows 7, so I agree with you.

Maybe we're both part Vulcan.

Live Long and Prosper

taichi

[craigmontHunter]

The only thing I miss from 7 is all the extra codecs - it natively supported every file I came across. I know that there are codec packs and other media players, but IMHO integrated codecs work better and look "cleaner" (don't ask, I don't know what I mean, it just seems like the most accurate description ). I really liked windows 2000, and would be running it now, but FSX acceleration doesn't run on it (and the stupid xp drivers for the x3100 don't work with it either) - I am stuck with Vista or 7, and I like vista the most.

Live Long and Prosper

[Norway Pad]

After running a desktop with Vista Ultimate for a year or so, I decided to actually install Vista Ultimate on my T60. I originally planned to install W7, but I got a free Vista Ultimate license, and I have really learned to like Vista. Despite I swore to never install Vista after seeing how poor it ran it on a couple of sub-standard Vista computers that some of my friends once bought.

I am considering though: 32 bit vs. 64 bit was mentioned here. I have a T7200 Core 2 Duo processor that will go into my T60 before I do the OS install. Are there any advantages to install the 64bit version? With 3.2GB of RAM I won't be able to benefit from the increased memory addressing range that 64 bit provides, but there might be other benefits from running 64bit than I am aware of? The downside might be that I need 64bit compatible applications.

[craigmontHunter]

IMHO, as of right now, there is no compelling reason to upgrade to 64-bit on a t60 because of the chipset limitation. Unless you have a 64-bit only program (or are planning on buying one) 32-bit should be able to run everything you come across. 64 bit should work with most 32-bit programs (drivers and antivirus being the biggest excepctions).

With the Core2Duo you are ready if windows 8 is 64-bit only (as has been rumored on various sites)