Should I install Vista 64 on my Z?

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?

 

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!

 

Yeah it was a shame, I normally don't write long post but now I did . Maybe I'll write it again tomorrow.

I'm running XP now, is this the best XP driver/utility install guide?
http://www.sony-asia.com/support/download/270960/product/vgn-z12gn/sectionfirst?subpage=detail

Or is there any better?

 

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

 

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

 

I used the guide at www.vaio-link.com (but you need to register with your product/serial number, so no direct link I'm afraid). The instructions worked flawlessly for me.

 

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.

 

Thanks, I'll follow that route.

 

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?

 

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.