32-bit or 64-bit OS?

So I just ordered my new notebook, and this will be my first experience with 64-bit processor: C2D T5470. And of course the notebook comes with Vista. I plan on putting XP Pro on it, but was wondering if I should put the 32-bit or 64-bit version?

Are there any overwhelming benefits of installing XP PRO 64bit?

Given: I won't be using any 64-bit software.

 

I've heard Vista Ultimate 64-bit is more stable and reliable than XP Professional 64-bit. I think if you are not doing any heavy computing where you require 4GB RAM then a 32-bit OS should suffice well enough.

 

None overwhelming benefit that I know of, unless you're doing scientific data manipulation using software that can manipulate 64-bit-ness.

 

You don't need 4GB RAM to run into problems with 32-bit OS'es.
Most games are starting to hit the memory limit on 32-bit OS'es, which accounts for a fair number of crashes actually, so for high-end gaming, a 64-bit OS certainly won't hurt either.

 

Can anyone comment on the compatibility of the 64-Bit OS (XP or Vista) for old school (legacy) programs? What has your experiences been like with it?

 

How old-school?
For 16-bit apps (DOS and Win3.1, basically), it's a no-go. No support under 64-bit Windows. But then again, you can just install DosBox or run a virtual machine.

For anything else, it generally works fine (with the usual caveat that driver support isn't perfect)

 

My recommended set up (if you need Vista64) is to install that as your main OS, and then run an XP32 virtual machine. Best of both worlds.

 

if you plan to get over 3GB of memory, get 64-bit. if not, get 32-bit
--------hope i could help

 

Not a must follow rule actually.

 

XP 64 and Vista 64 are not based on the same code base. Vista 64 is much more stable and supported than XP64 is. Drivers written for vista 64 will not work with XP64, and vice versa. If you're going with XP, stick to 32bit. For Vista, 32 and 64 are both supported well (relatively).

 

64 bit os is not there yet... I give it three more years, when the next MS os is released. Although, vista service pack 2 for 64 bit will more than likely push 64 bit into mainstream (my guess anyway). But I give drivers and other hardware/software manuf at least three years to have everything on board with 64 bit... after a little push from MS. Plus by that time there will be only 64 cpu units sold (my guess again)... small mix right now of 32 and 64, although, most main cpu are 64 bit.....

This guy explains it in ways I don't have time for, but we had the same experience:

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_1yr_x64.asp

To sum it up in case you don't have time to read the entire thing:

Final thoughts

Unfortunately, I have to give the same basic advice about Vista x64 that I provided last year: If you have to ask, if you're unsure whether you should be using Vista x64, then the basic conclusion is still the same: You shouldn't be running Vista x64. That said, Vista x64 is considerably more viable now than it was a year ago. And it's moving quickly into the mainstream, though it's not quite there yet.

 

That doesn't cover all the bases; this article will explain the pros/cons of a 64-bit OS quite thoroughly.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/8131/1