Vista 64-bit on XPS M1330: Recommendation Dependent on Usage?

Some Background

New to the forum, although not new to Dell laptops. I ordered a Macbook Pro a few weeks ago, and returned it yesterday. Not happy with it at all.

Today, I placed an order for an XPS M1330. I currently use a Latitude D420, so I'm familiar with Dells.

Anyway, enough background - to my question. I've read and re-read the threads on installing Vista 64-bit to a laptop, and to the XPS M1330 specifically. What I couldn't figure out, however, is whether it is recommendable that I do so; I assume the advice varies according the person's usage of the laptop.

My Typical Usage

Most of my time is spent in Office 2007, Firefox, and a few other standard apps. I'm an academic, so the majority of my laptop usage is about research and writing. I will not be using the laptop for gaming, nor will I be using it for any specialist apps (Dreamweaver, and so forth.)

So, should I go through the rigmarole of getting and installing Vista 64-bit, or should I stick with Vista Ultimate 32-bit (clean install, of course)?

Happy to provide more info if needed. Looking forward to hearing your views.

 

If you can get the drivers for all of the component in it, sure why not. Check out the drivers page in Support.

 

You should wipe out and reinstall the computer anyway to get rid of the bloatware and if you are so inclined (feel comfortable doing it). If you are reinstalling anyway, why not 64? Besides, you get full use of 4 gb of ram that you just ordered, with 32 bit you don't.

 

Vista 64 does have some features that Vista 32 doesn't, mainly ASLR(Address Space Layout Randmonizer) which translates to better security over a network. Although from what you have mentioned, there wouldn't be any specific reason to recommend Vista 64 for you. If at all, I suggest checking out the programs you use(other than those listed), for compatibility with x64. Mainly, 16 bit programs, since they don't run on x64 Vista, unless you are using a 3rd party emulator.

 

technically programs run faster in 64-bit, though u wont really see it

what i would do is dualboot vista 64-bit and xp32-bit if possible.... but i guess stick with 32-bit... since dell gives u everything on a reinstall DVD>.

 

If you want to use all your RAM you should use 64 bit. I really can't compare 32 bit and 64 bit since I used them on two different computers. Vista x64 is very stable unlike XP Pro x64.

 

If you are familiar with formatting/installing fresh OS I would suggest 64bit Vista, mainly because of the 4GB of RAM, even though nothing in your specific usage needs urges for 64bit power.

In my M1530 (4GB ram) i found the following configuration to be close to ideal:
Vista 64bit (tweaked)/ XP 32bit / Ubuntu 64bit. Use vista mostly, because being 64 bit and tweaked, it runs really fast, XP 32 is for ultimate compatibility, and performance in some games ( xept DX10 ones)

 

Many thanks for the responses.

I certainly don't want to start dualbooting - the inefficiency of having to switch to a different OS at any point during my working day would quickly become an irritant, I think. For the brief time I had the Macbook Pro, I used OS X and XP Pro, and that soon became tiresome.

The weight of opinion seems to be in favour of installing Vista 64-bit, mostly to utilise the 4GB RAM. As to applications, however, I think it's true to say that not even Office 2007 (which I spend most of my time in) is 64-bit. So would I actually notice a difference in the speed of my laptop for the vast majority of the time?

My other concern is with compatibility. Whilst I don't know of any compatibility issues with my commonly-used apps at the moment, my university does occasionally thrust upon us another bit of software (for student grading, essay marking, etc), which may not play nicely with 64-bit. What is support for 64-bit like as of June 2008? Is it usually supported, only sometimes, or hardly at all?

Thanks for all your help.

 

Dell Offers Vista x64 Drivers for M1330.

M1330 x64 Drivers

For the most part, you should not have any trouble finding drivers for M1330.
However, i recommend laptopvideo2go.com for x64 Video drivers.

Vista 64bit in a way is better than 32bit because x64 Vista can run 32bit apps as well. So if an app such Office 2007 runs on Vista 32bit, it should not have any problem running on x64.

However, apps that require access to system files might have trouble running on x64 unless they are for Vista x64.

 

Not every app that runs in 32bit can be run on 64bit.... thats why manufacturers dont all go the 64-bit way. Certain software such as games like Command and COnquer 3 are only 32-bit, no 64-bit compatibility. SOme CADD software as well.