Workstation 2008 on dv2700t

I was originally going to keep silent about this because I didn't think anyone would care and I was too lazy to comment. But two things happened: I read a few Slashdot articles about Vista adoption and I remembered how much help this forum has been to me in the past with my HP laptop.

For your benefit:

I have installed Server 2008 x64 on my HP 2700t. I don't even know where to begin to tell you that anyone who knows anything about computers should be doing the exact same thing if they are dis-satisified with Vista. I orginally was considering doing XP x64 on my laptop like I did my desktop, but XP x64 isn't 'quite' there yet with regards to games, Quickbooks, etc. Also, I think everyone agrees that Vista just looks better than XP, and given a choice, you'd probably rather combat today's security threats with a current OS (enterprise level server OS in this case) than an OS that is pushing seven years old. I know some people will disagree, but I think my arguement makes sense to me, as well as others.

I am an ActionPak member so I have Server 2008 at the ready. I threw the DVD in, and 20min later (yes, 20), I had a bland Server 2008 desktop. Through the help of a Google search and some tips from win2008workstation.com, I had the Aero theme up and running, as well as all the performance bells & whistles of Vista within another 20min (apparently, it would have gone faster had I downloaded some auto-config utility they offered). Super-fetch, program optimization, wireless, search, all doing well.

So get this, I'm sure everyone is wondering, "What about drivers? Server 2008 wasn't an option for the dv2700t!" Well, turns out, every single Vista x64 driver took to Server 2008 without any trouble. Yep, read it again to be sure. Webcam, sound, network, wireless, bluetooth, etc.

Facts:
1. Server 2008 supports DX10 for new games (all my Source games work 100%)
2. Server 2008 runs faster than Vista, and it requires less hardware overhead. Go read the benchmarks, don't take my word for it.
3. I believe that Server 2008 crashes less. I was having random lock-ups on my brand new dv2700t with Vista that drove me batty. Plus Steam would want to crash on every shutdown. All problems that are in the past.
4. Smaller footprint on the hard drive.

All that to say this. I am HIGHLY recommending that if you are unhappy with Vista, or think that your sexy high-gloss laptop deserves a better looking OS, visually, then you really need to give Server 2008 a try. I have done it on my laptop, as well as my desktop, and I'm not going back.

The disclaimer....

You can't go buy Server 2008 as a workstation without paying the server price of $1000 or something. However, you can basically use Server 2008 for free from what I can tell... for 240 days. There is a 60 trial that goes into effect after you install. This timer can be reset up to 4 times before you are required to put in a license key and activate. This may not be worth it for some of you, but for me, when my almost-full year is up, I'll be reformatting anyway for a fresh install and I'll go another 240 days. For most of us, I'd bet that this isn't a huge issue. And in fact, this is the only reason that I'm not doing it to client PC's.

I guess the only thing left to do is figure out where you can still download Server 2008 because you can't just go out and buy it. Does someone out there have a DVD image available for download? I'm sure there is a torrent somewhere.

 

No one wants to comment about a solution to crappy Vista?