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    Should I install Vista 64 on my Z?

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Phil, Oct 11, 2008.

  1. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    I wrote a long post about how I found a great deal on a Z, and my quick impressions of it, but then the server migration happened and my post got lost. So yes I've found my Z and I am very happy with it sofar. Amazing piece of equipment.

    Anyway, I'm wondering what OS I should install. I have no experience with Vista 64, but since my Z has 4 GB I'm tempted to install it.

    My main use of my PC is browsing internet. Common situation is 2 browsers with 20 tabs, msn, utorrent, emule.

    I am positive I will do a clean install, either XP, Vista 32 or Vista 64.

    So what do you think, should I install Vista 64?
     
  2. InfyMcGirk

    InfyMcGirk while(!(succeed=try()));

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    I'm happy with XP SP3 on my Z. But then my first impressions of Vista weren't great. If you have liked a Vista system previously, I'm sure the Z has enough power to make it work if you set it up properly. ;)

    BTW, sorry your post got lost... I would have enjoyed reading that! :rolleyes:
     
  3. Phil

    Phil Retired

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  4. armadilo

    armadilo Notebook Evangelist

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    Congrats, enjoy it!
    Can you tell us the specs of your Z Phil? Just before the mini-review of tomorrow. :)
     
  5. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Thanks. It's a Z11 MN/B, P8400, 4GB, 200GB 5400rpm Toshiba.
     
  6. InfyMcGirk

    InfyMcGirk while(!(succeed=try()));

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  7. InfyMcGirk

    InfyMcGirk while(!(succeed=try()));

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    Also... I've just noticed the sony-asia site's guide doesn't seem to include the XP driver for HDD protection like the vaio-link site does. And in fact it says at the top of the page "HDD protection function cannot be used", which I don't think is the case. I would thus recommend the vaio-link guide. ;)
     
  8. Phil

    Phil Retired

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    Thanks, I'll follow that route.
     
  9. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Why would you use Vista 64 Bit unless you knew it would definitely improve performance?

    Also: 4GB - there were numerous threads on it. Its not so easy - yes the Operating system can actively only use 3GB, but the remainign GB is also used, for example as graphics memory.

    So I doubt that going from 32 Bit to 64 Bit would make that much of a change - the RAM definitely won't - it may even reduce graphics performance.

    Maybe someone with personal experience with 64 Bit systems could enlighten you a bit more.

    I'd say - why do it if there is no definite reasonto do so?
     
  10. D1330HI

    D1330HI Notebook Geek

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    I've tried with all of the help and drivers from here but cannot find the Sprint Smartwi 64bit. Since installing a clean 32bit Vista and getting everything to work flawlessly, I will wait for Sony to post the 64bit Ultimate drivers for Z.

    I didn't want to install the Bios from Japan - what if I needed to go back?

    After spending a week on 64bit, I would wait for it.

    Just my opinion as others have successfully updated thier Bios and run 64bit.