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    32-bits vs 64-bits Vista

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Tomassi, Apr 3, 2008.

  1. Tomassi

    Tomassi Notebook Consultant

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    I'm looking to a Sony VAIO model that standardly comes with 4096MB (2x2048MB) and with 32-bits Windows Vista (which is weird IMO since it doesn't support the 4GB).

    Anyway, it hence is my intention to upgrade my 32-bits Windows Vista to 64-bits in order to not waste anything of the 4GB. However, now a friend told me that if you do this you'll encounter some problems regarding drivers that are no longer supported! Amongst others the 'trackpad software' can't be configured anymore when running 64-bits.

    Has anyone managed to get 64-bits Windows Vista fully working?
     
    Tomassi, Apr 3, 2008
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  2. RainCaster

    RainCaster Notebook Enthusiast

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    I would not advise it. You will run into all manner of driver problems, and power management problems stemming from drivers. Just enjoy 3Gigs of RAM and don't worry about it.

    BTW, if you use printers through servers, they will have to start pulling down and providing 64 bit drivers, or you wold never get anything on paper. Another PITA...

    That said, if you are really set on doing this, Google for 64 bit drivers for the Alps Electric touch pad. If you can't find a current version of the driver and related control panel applet, then forget it.
     
    RainCaster, Apr 3, 2008
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  3. Tomassi

    Tomassi Notebook Consultant

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    Thanks for your reply RainCaster!

    But in general; Is Windows Vista 64-bit (considerably) faster than Windows Vista 32-bit anyway? Are there any advantages to 64-bits concerning performance?
     
    Tomassi, Apr 3, 2008
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  4. RainCaster

    RainCaster Notebook Enthusiast

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    Not really- at least for typical laptop uses. I use 64 bit versions on servers with 8+ GIGS of ram, and it does make a difference there. For those of us who use laptops as anything less than a server, it just isn't worth the extra hassle of dealing with few drivers.

    BTW,I use the 64 bit version of Windows Server 2003 for such uses- not Vista. I have 2 lab machines that are identical, both running Vista SP1, one 32 and the other 64 bit. Both feel like they are just as fast performance wise. They are kept that way for compat testing on new software I write.
     
    RainCaster, Apr 3, 2008
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  5. Synthesia

    Synthesia Notebook Evangelist

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    Yep, we have:

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=222729&highlight=64bit


    Enjoy :)

    Still, I'm inclined to switch back to 32-bit Vista for now...a couple of programs I'm using are not fully working on this Vista. All hardware seems to be working fine though. There is the occasional BSOD but I seemed to have had this when I was running 32-bit Vista too.
     
    Synthesia, Apr 3, 2008
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