Vista 64 Bit. Are there any limitations?

Do most current programs and hardware work with Vista 64 bit? If all other things are equal, is there any reason to choose a 32 bit version of Vista?

 

Most things work nowadays, but unless you're doing specific high end processing jobs, you probably won't notice the difference in speed between 32 bit and 64 bit.

 

Dont bother going 64bit unles you have 4gb ram. Save you the troubles.

 

64bit would require more memory since the code is twice as long. Since the current standard is still 32-bit, stick with it unless you're sure you have drivers etc for you 64-bit machine.

 

There aren't a lot of software programs out there that won't work with 64-bit. Give us a list of any specific software you will be using, what you will be using the laptop for, etc. and we will be able to give you a better idea on whether or not it is worth it for you.

I've had Vista 64-bit installed on my desktop for quite some time now and I haven't run across any programs that don't work. I've heard of very specific applications that are mostly used in the business world that don't work well with 64-bit, but those are few and far between. You won't truly see a benefit besides 4GB of RAM until software companies start writing their programs for 64-bit. Even though the OS is 64-bit, nothing will take advantage of it's capabilities unless the program itself is written for 64-bit, that's why the only real benefit to it at the moment is 4GB of RAM.

 

Thank you all for the replies. They are sufficient to help me with a decision.

 

I just dual booted 64bit, trying it at the moment to see if all my progs work with it. I didn't really see any performance gain in the time I used it.

 

I recommend going straight to 64-bit if you have to run Vista at all. Eventually you'll run into the 4GB RAM barrier and you'll be glad to avoid needing to reinstall your OS.

Microsoft should have never made 32-bit Vista, but Intel was late to the x86-64 party and it's been well established that Microsoft will make shortsighted compromises if Intel forces the issue (Vista certification for Intel's non-Aero-capable GPUs).

 

In the end it all comes down to, if you have or thinking of upgrading to 4gb RAM

 

dont pay for 64bit you can get it free i just did it. all u need is a 64bit disk or download it free. 64bit is the future tho.