Salesgal said Gway MX8738 can't run Win2K!?!

I just picked up my first laptop and first Vista machine. MX8738 at Best Buy $699 - couldn't resist! I told sales girl I might want to put Win2K on it if I don't like Vista (as in resource hog). She says hardware not compatible. First I've heard of this. Is it true?

Oh, first post! Hey y'all!

 

Well I don't know if you can find Win2k drivers for all the hardware, and I'm sure Gateway won't support it.

 

my question is why ? u want to run 2k?

do you like clasic look if so you can just make xp look that

 

A lot of Best Buy salesguys and gals have no clue what they are talking about. They memorize a script/specs and throwup all over you. I've bought tv's, lcd screens, and routers from BB. I've asked questions and have gotten wrong answers from the reps. I no longer trust anyone at Best Buy. However, they do have pretty low prices during Black Friday.

 

I don't need more than what 2K offers! More memory available for multi tasking. Plus I have accumulated several *ahem* copies of 2K over the years.

Here in TN we pay 9.75% sales tax. So TN has back to school tax holiday. No tax on school supplies, clothing and computers this weekend. So I saved $70! Plus Best Buy had specials on air cards. I got a Verizon cellular broadband card free w/no activation fee, unlimited MBs/month, 2 yr. contract - $60.00/mo. plus taxes. This was literally a "best buy"!

So I fired up the new unit last night and set up my user account and deleted a bunch of crap like Wild Tangent games, Google Desktop, Napster trial, AOL trial, NetZero trial and some ebay link thing-a-ma- jig. Went into msconfig and the registry already too! Those damn AOL and NetZero shortcuts are stuck in the recycle bin for some reason; won't empty. I'd do a clean install but ain't sure how much of that extra crap is on the Gateway re-install disc. I explored it and it looked mostly like just MS stuff but I ain't sure; no expert am I.

After setting up my user account memory usage was at 61% according to the Task Manager. Just being idle! I think I'll have to spring for two 1 gig sticks. Otherwise Vista didn't seem too different than XP. I guess I'll get used to it. Gonna implement some of Black Viper's services configs to keep things lean.

 

do clean installl vista then tweak it you have no crap on it don,nt want just need download all your driveres

i suggested against msconfig it leave you machine in daignostice mode when you use it they other way to tweak what load at start up

 

Whoa there, the Best Buy gal has a very valid point. Good luck finding all the drivers for the laptop for Windows 2k. Especially the Intel GMA and the memory card reader, both invented after Windows 2k. I agree that some(most) retail store workers aren't the most intelligent bunch, but don't assault someone over a valid answer.

 

Update on the sitchoo-itay-shun: Okay, Vista is working just about flawlessly for me. It's pretty and takes a few days of getting used to and has lots of features that many will like and some that are a PITA until you figure out how to turn them off.

I did a clean install and format to keep my data on a separate partition and get rid of all the trial-ware and other useless crap-ware. If I could chop off IE and WMP I would! (Although they both worked really nice when I tried them!) I moved a few shell folders away from C: drive. The folders are a bit different than XP shell folders. Gateway's site provided all the drivers needed. Every program I've installed (always latest version, Vista compatible) has been smooth and works properly.

Since I am new to laptops I am impressed with Verizon's National/Broadband Access service. Also equally impressive if not more is the wifi (Realtek RTL8187). I took my new toy out for a little WAR driving. I was amazed at all the unsecured networks I was able to pick up. The range was good, I thought. I could use Holiday Inn's and Days Inn's unsecured networks while sitting in O'Charley's parking lot at least 800 - 1000 feet from either hotel building. Also connected to other unidentified networks in that location with super fast speed. I could download 2MBs in about 5 seconds. That kinda speed will get this old dial-up user excited!

All in all this is a great machine and I can't figure out why one would pay $300 more to Dell or HP or whoever for the same thing! This was 700 frog pelts at Best Buy. Okay I just checked their site and the MX8738 is jacked up to $850 now, but the 8739 is only $650 and the only diff is 120G HD instead of 160.