Upgrade to XP Pro?

Hey guys! I'm trying to decide between a couple of Averatecs - the AV3250PX, AV3250HX, and the AV6210HX60-01. I'm kind of drawn to the 3250 series because of the price/rebates right now, size/weight. But I'm also interested in the bigger screen of the 6210 and the AveraPlay feature. One of my deciding factors will be whether or not I can use my existing licensed copy of Win XP Professional to upgrade the OS on any of these laptops (except the 3250px, which already has Pro) from XP Home to XP Pro.

Anyone know, or have tried? If it's not possible, what about reformatting the drive and installing XP Pro from the start?

Is the AveraPlay feature as great/handy/power-efficient as it seems? Does it work as well as advertised?

 

You may want to check out the Home vs Pro sticky in the software forum. My guess is that unless you are in a networked environment, there is not much benefit for you. You can install your copy of XP Pro as long as it is not intalled on another machine as well. Depending on whether it is the corporate or retail version of XP, you may have to activate it.





I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

Thanks for your reply zazonz, but I think maybe I should rephrase my questions.

1. Is there anything special about the OS that comes preloaded on the Averatecs? (i.e. Averatec features, or anything specific to the laptop)

2. Will I lose any functionality by formatting an Averatec that came with XP Home and installing a fresh copy of XP Pro?

3. Will it be possible to (if I buy an Averatec with XP Home) insert my XP Pro CD and allow it to upgrade to XP Pro? (Never had XP Home before, so I'm new to upgrading Home -> Pro)

Thanks for the input!

Justin
USAF

PS: I should mention that I do need Pro for the networking benefits.

 

joeaviator-

the CD set that Averatec supplies (and I say this loosly because a fourm member mentioned they may be moving to a diskless restore application) contains not only the OS, but also all necassary drivers...although not the most current(?).

I haven't personally made the switch, but I don't see why it would be a problem. I would suggest either; a)verifing the disk that contains the proper drivers, or; b)jump onto Averatec's site and DL all the drivers and burn them to your own disc (my personal favorite...I add different browsers and video card drivers and anything else that their site has not updated).

 

I think with a combination of the driver CD and Windows update, you should not have any problems upgrading the machine. I personally prefer to do a fresh install. Good way to get rid of all the extras you do not need. Good Luck.






I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

I tried upgrading to XP Pro with my machine.. I really had a hard time getting the Wireless to work. Other than that.. everything seemed to be alright.

I'm a little weary. I did try installing XP pro, couldn't get wireless to work, so I used the OEM software and reloaded XP home.. and it had wireless LAN problems that couldn't be fixed. Future Shop exchanged the notebook for me.

 

Awesome, thanks for all the feedback guys! I'm still wrestling with whether or not to get one of the Averatecs, or get an Asus Z80K (DTR). It's a little bulkier and heavier, but my current laptop weighs slightly more than the Z80K. I found a barebones for 749, found an Athlon 64 2800+ for $120, and Corsair 512MB PC2700 SODIMM for $100.

Some downsides to the Z80K - probably much shorter battery life, larger/heavier, no AveraPlay. (How do those of you that have AveraPlay like it?)

Some Pros - Moblie Athlon 64 platform (should also support the new Turion!!), Mobility Radeon 9700 w/ 128MB DDR, extra goodies like 5 USB ports, Svideo out, etc.

I'm leaving for Air Force OTS, and I really can't decide what I want - more mobility at the expense of power, or more power at the expense of some of the mobility (and of course AveraPlay - how much does it *really* extend battery life??)

Any outside opinions are more than welcomed as I only have about 8 weeks to make up my mind and order or build my system.

BTW, the total for the Z80K will be around $969!!

 

I think the quality on the Asus will be better. Plus I think Asus' come with two year warranty at least for the parts, if you are comfortable on the software side.






I know things, things that could get me killed


Thinkpad T41:
* 1.6Ghz Pentium M * 768Mb Memory * 40Gb Hitachi 7200RPM * Panasonic UJ-845-B DVD+RW *

 

Joe -

The Asus sounds like a pretty nice deal! Honestly, with the price and components your describing, I easily could have gone that way insted of Averatec. Asus has a great name in the Mobo industry (they're all I will use in the PCs I build), and a two year warrenty...WOW!