32 bit or 64 bit vista

I will be getting a laptop pretty soon here but I'm not sure if i should get the 64 bit or the 32 bit version of vista home premium. I will have an intel 2.0ghz core 2 duo drive 800 fsb and 2gigs of ram. I have no idea what the differences of the two are so im stumped. They cost the same so any ideas?

 

If you buy retail (the full version or the upgrade) you get both the 32 and 64bit versions. So thats the best way to go, since you say they cost the same, sounds like your talking about getting OEM wich gives you only one version and its permanently tied to your computer you install it on forever.

Retail you can move from one computer to the next as you upgrade to new computers. So think about that.

Its a little known fact that you can install the upgrade version as the full version without having to actually have another windows version in place to upgrade from. I suggjest you google this. Its totally legal too (given you actually own a valid copy of windows xp, if you dont... well nobody will be the wiser)

Now back to your original question tho, if you did have to pick one and only one. Your probably much better off with the 32bit one since it has less compatability issues and the 64bit one has no real advantages except a few programs may run faster and you can use 4gb+ of system ram.

If you decide to go retail so that you get both, you can set up a dual boot so that you can boot into eather one of them and give it a test drive to figure out wich you like best. Or just use them both

Keep in mind that only vista ultimate comes with both the 64 and 32bit disks INSIDE the package, but any of the other ones give you full rights for the 64bit one, you just have to go to a web page and order it for free + cost of shiping & handing (about 10$)

 

The OEM is not tied to one computer. If you search the net you will find that an OEM can be used on more than one computer. The downside is that you have to call Microsoft to activate, which is extremely easy though. Also, the serials for Vista can be used in both x86 and x64 versions.

 

You know why you have to call??? because its tied to one computer. If your calling they are overriding it.

I know this for a fact its in the user agreement for the license right there on the MS page. Heck why would they have an Retail and OEM if they were the same? Just common sense really.

And your serial for OEM should only work for the version you buy, it may work for both but if you go to order the free version of x64 your key for OEM wont allow it. If you can actually install it and have it work from somebody elses disk thats something nobody has tried.

 

Get the 32bit. There are no significant speed performance between the two. What will make or break the decision in how many programs you're planning to use is 64bit. There are more 32bit programs and drivers.

 

Thanks, exactly what i needed to hear, just which one to buy. Oh i know vista is a resource hog, but will i notice a significant difference with 2 gigs of ram vs 3 gigs?

 

Unless you run a lot of ram-intensive programs, i doubt you'll really notice a difference at all between 2 and 3 gigs of ram. 2 gigs should be enough for most tasks.

 

I used to have 2gb and went up to 3gb. Not too much difference in speed either. There's still plenty of RAM available for either 2 or 3gb for Vista to work with. Yes Vista is a memory hog but even with the Ultimate version I still had lots of memories left and that's with a shared video memory mobo in a laptop. Vista does memory management well. One thing I have to warn you if you start a Vista machine... it will take up to 30 minutes for it to do it's thing such as indexing. The machine will run on the hot side while it's doing this but afterwards the power management will go back to normal. Have fun and btw don't install NHC for XP... it'll kill your laptop and have to reinstall everything.