XP Pro vs. Windows 7

[Miguelito]

I'm planning to buy a Thinkpad, probably a T60 or -61. I've only used Windows XP Pro on my previous Thinkpads (T21, -41, -43) and am quite content with it. I've no experience with Windows 7. I've even seen a few Thinkpads that seemingly have both systems. Doesn't that take up a huge amount of memory? My computer use is pretty basic: Internet, email, watching dvds & light word processing. What are the pros and cons of each? Thanks in advance for any feedback

[Bill Z]

I use to be an XP guy 100%. However now I really like 7 when I’m not using Ubuntu.

Most of the stuff you mentioned 7 does well (better than Vista). What makes it better is the way it does DVDs and entertainment in general. There is a bunch built in to help with all of that.

Since the new machines come with 7, just keep, use and enjoy.

There is a small learning curve because some things look to be moved around. MS provides a ‘from xp to 7 How to’ guide.

If you want to go with a dual boot so you can try 7 when you have time, that is an option. Only one runs at a time providing you are not running a virtual box.

Good luck with it.

[redsparrow]

I tend to use Linux mostly, but i have to admit, Microsoft did a fine fine job with Windows 7. Its extremely user friendly, far more so than XP IMHO. There really is little benefit to using XP these days if given a choice and a T60/T61 would run Windows 7 flawlessly. Everything XP does, Windows 7 does better.

[nikki605]

All my PCs had WinXP before this T410 with Win7 Pro. As others have said, there is a Little bit of a learning curve, but all-in-all, not bad. I've gotten to really like Win7.

The biggest obstacle for me was UAC (User Account Control). I had to do some reading and run into a few problems before I understood how it worked and what it was doing. I never had Vista so UAC was all new to me.

[pianowizard]

I would upgrade to 7 for two reasons alone: 7 (and also Vista) is much more secure than XP, and Microsoft will stop releasing security updates for XP in just over two years after which security will become even worse for XP.

This article about security may be of interest: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1009_3-20063220-83.html

[ZaZ]

Isn't that one reason, security?

[drezliok]

I got a 30 day trial for Windows 7 on my T30. It took some driver hunting but it runs great, suspends, and sleeps correctly after getting all the updates.

The only thing I do not like is the price. I personally can't justify the price for a 9 year old laptop. So I dual boot Xubuntu and Windows 7(while my trial is still good, then I will have XPpro)

[elray]

I got a 30 day trial for Windows 7 on my T30. It took some driver hunting but it runs great, suspends, and sleeps correctly after getting all the updates.

The only thing I do not like is the price. I personally can't justify the price for a 9 year old laptop. So I dual boot Xubuntu and Windows 7(while my trial is still good, then I will have XPpro)

If I may ask, what price is that?

I have a new T61 for my lady, who will no doubt, keep it for eons, and I'd like to start her off with 7 - it looks like it has a (faded) XP COA, not Vista. There doesn't appear to be an official Lenovo OEM disc for the T61, so the best I've found is the retail Home Premium Upgrade kit, which runs about $80 on the low end of the spot market.

Is there a cheaper legal avenue?

[loyukfai]

If you have more than one PC to upgrade, there's a family pack for 3 machines for something above 100USD which is still available on ebay.

Cheers.

[wolfman]

We have a dark house (no Windows), but I do have to use their OS at the office and Windows 7 seems OK.

[robert213]

I got a 30 day trial for Windows 7 on my T30. It took some driver hunting but it runs great, suspends, and sleeps correctly after getting all the updates.

Where did you find display driver for ATI MOBILITY RADEON 7500? Please post answer over on T2X/T30 forum.

[drezliok]

will do.

[pdwayne]

With most corporations still sticking with Windows XP, I think that says a lot about how they are not too enticed with the idea of being market standard able but just good with one that allows them to do the job, and very well at that, and are already fine by it.

Though I am keen to know how they are going to take the new and upcoming release of the Windows 8 OS.

[dr_st]

With most corporations still sticking with Windows XP

Is it really true?

[bill bolton]

With most corporations still sticking with Windows XP....

Its 2012, and that's not the case today.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[EasyMac308]

We're in the middle of the rollout process at my employer, and Windows 7 has almost universally been met approval. Once the minor UI changes are dealt with, at least.

In terms of price, there are ways to bring that down a bit. Craigslist is a good place to start. Also, you can buy some more time on your trial by using "slmgr -rearm" when the trial runs out to buy yourself a little more time.

If it were me, I'd stick with some flavor of Linux in the T30...