Can 64 bit Vista be used on my 32 bit X60s ?

[rexy]

Hi.
I am thinking about buying oem Vista Ultimate on my 170463U.
Can I buy and use the 64 bit version on my 32 bit x60s?
This way when I upgrade my system to the 64 bit chip, I don't have to buy the OS again.
Even though the version is 64 bit will my system be able to use it
At least as 32 bit?
Or do I have to use the 32 bit version?
Thanks Nick.


Cant wait for Santa Rosa!

[dfumento]

In order to run 64-bit code your machine must have the Core 2 Duo, but the X60s only comes with the Core Duo, the preceding model of processor. Even without Santa Rosa, one can purchase an X60 (but not X60s as of this writing) with the Core 2 Duo processor. That said, there is generally no good reason to run 64-bit on a laptop at this time and plenty of reasons not to, such as lack of ability and stability of 64-bit drivers.

The most compelling reason to go to 64-bit processing is to address more than 4GB RAM. Today, putting more than 2 GB in a laptop which only has two memory slots is very expensive and generally not worth it.

Perhaps in six months to a year it might make sense to switch to 64-bit as most drivers should be stable by then and the 64-bit processing is the way of the future, regardless of the amount of RAM one has.