Vista x64 or x86

Hello everybody. I recently purchased a TP X61 with T7300 processor. It also came with Vista installed on it, Vista Business x86.

My question is if my processor is on 64 bits or on 32? So if i install Vista x64 will it work better than the one on x86?

Thanks

 

Your processor is 64-bit capable. I've read that installing Vista 64-bit can give you a slight performance increase.

 

Unless you need a 64-bit OS, stick with the 32, it's a lot less hassle and many more things are supported at this time.

 

tanks a lot.....i really appreciate it.

 

Because with Lenovo you would get all the drivers for x64 - then i would say install x64 - it will be faster - and all software works anyway...
Just use IE x32 version, cause there are no flash plugin for IE x64...

 

But does it worth the change? I mean can you tell the difference between x86 and x64? do you see an improvement in the time that takes you to open for example photoshop cs3?

 

No, you won't be able to tell.

 

i originally installed 64 bit, and my palm hotsync did not work at all on it, so I switched back to 32bit...I couldn't tell a diff in speed

 

I have used both 32bit ad 64bit XP and Vista and there are minimal performance increase when using 64bit OS over 32bit OS. Unless you benchmark you cannot tell the difference.

As to which type of OS to use, it will depend on your system, the applications that you plan to run, and compatibility with the system.

 

Unless you use programs that need over 3GB of RAM, go x86. So much more compatible and slightly faster than x64. I've got Vista x64 on my home PC and it works great, but I do see incompatibilities every now and then which are no big deal for home use. But for work, my VPN client is x86, Palm synch software works much better over x86, etc etc.

 

Photoshop CS3 opens in 5 seconds the first time. Then about 2-3 seconds on subsequent launches. I've got Vista 64-bit and you can see my other specs in my sig. (My 7200RPM HDD, 4GB RAM, and 4GB readyboost help )

 

Yes if you have Palm or iPhone, where dodgy manufacturers intentionally do not release drivers for x64 - then you are better off with x32, but otherwise x64 is definitely faster and has better kernel. And if you get 10-30% more FPS in games - isn't it worth the effort? People pay $500 to get better video and get that much of improvement...
Maybe it is time to throw away that old crap that was written for win 3.1 and get some modern software

 

honestly, that is the only reason why I didn't stick with the x64....stupid palm

 

Thank you for all the support. With that it settles: I will stick with the 32-bit version.

 

The choice will depend on your needs.
Yes, 64 bit is the future. It does run well, but
V64 will run 64 bit and 32 bit software, NOT 16bit apps.
V32 will run 32bit and 16bit software.

Personally I'm dual booting XP/V64. XP's the primary and will do the bulk of the work. Vista's there to play with and get ready for the future BUT it is NOT where I plan to do most of my work.
There are a number of apps I use every day which will NOT run in Vista (Quickboooks, a MRP package called Jobshop, my CAD app isn't thrilled, etc.) Yes, some of these could be upgraded, but I'm not interested in spending thousands of dollars just to say I can run Vista.
My accountant tells me that the new QB won't do anything for us that the version we have won't do and upgrading 3 licenses would cost $900. Just not worth it to me.
My cad app is not avail in 64 bit, so no advantage there.

Also, 32 bit OSs can only access just a hair over 3GB of RAM, 64 bit can hit 4GB and beyond.

Again, it comes down to your needs. IF you have apps which are 64 bit OR need more than 3GB of ram, than V64 is the way to go. Otherwise, it's a toy.


In the future, everything will be 64 bit. No doubt that programs designed to take advantage of this will be faster. Today we are in transition and there isn't much call for it yet.

 

FWIW, I run Quickbooks '03 on my desktop in 64bit Vista with no problems....

 

How did you do that tim? It won't even install for me in V64. Flat out refuses.

 

I think it "just worked" - I probably installed with a right click and run as admin, but I don't recall anything else being a problem..
Sorry that's not very helpful..

 

My Palm E2 syncs with Vista64 on my T61 like this:
1) Download the latest Palm Desktop software:
http://www.palm.com/us/support/downloads/windesk62.html
2) Read your user manual and set it up to sync with Bluetooth instead of USB. Network syncing is also possible, but you'd have to have wifi in your Palm.
3) Create a COM port for the Bluetooth on your laptop, I used COM4.

The first time syncing take a little while (~10 minutes), but after that incremental syncing doesn't take long.

I'm not here to defend Palm (I also think they should release a 64-bit USB driver), but at least there's a couple good workarounds. Besides, Bluetooth is waaaaay more convenient than plugging in a cable!

 

Honestly, I've tried everything. I cannot get BT sync to work for the life of me. I also can't get the new beta to sync with outlook 2007, even though it is suppose to.