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    Questions about Vista levels, buying laptop for college

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by theincubus, Apr 8, 2008.

  1. theincubus

    theincubus Notebook Consultant

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    I am planning to buy a laptop for college and the university I plan to attend said Vista was ok to have, but they said "basic versions are not recommended." The laptop I plan to get is an Alienware Area-51 m15x and the levels of Vista they offer are "Windows Vista® Home Premium" and "Windows Vista® Ultimate."

    Is Home Premium a basic version?

    What is the difference between Home Premium and Ultimate?

    Is it worth the $150 upgrade?
     
    theincubus, Apr 8, 2008
    #1
  2. McGrady

    McGrady Notebook Virtuoso

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    Home premium is not basic and that is the version I recommend getting. Ultimate doesn't do to much more.
     
    McGrady, Apr 8, 2008
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  3. dmacfour

    dmacfour Are you aware...

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    defiantly not worth $150 more for ultimate.
     
    dmacfour, Apr 8, 2008
    #3
  4. MattB85

    MattB85 Notebook Evangelist

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    Don't pay more for Ultimate. There are several versions of Vista:

    Basic
    Home Premium
    Business
    Ultimate

    Avoid the Basic version.
     
    MattB85, Apr 8, 2008
    #4
  5. crash

    crash NBR Assassin

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    Home Premium is not a basic version. However, keep in mind that if you need to connect to a domain at college, you'll need Vista Business or Ultimate.
     
    crash, Apr 8, 2008
    #5
  6. theincubus

    theincubus Notebook Consultant

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    What are the chances i would need Ultimate to connect to a domain? Why can't i do this with home premium?
     
    theincubus, Apr 8, 2008
    #6
  7. McGrady

    McGrady Notebook Virtuoso

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    very unlikely. actually, never would you need to. unless you are connected with the school in some way. average college student doesnt need to, never needs to
     
    McGrady, Apr 8, 2008
    #7
  8. Patrick

    Patrick Formerly beat spamers with stiks

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    Dreamscene is SO worth the extra 150 dollars.
     
    Patrick, Apr 8, 2008
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  9. Shadowfate

    Shadowfate Wala pa rin ako maisip e.

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    If you are just a college student then Home premium is fine. Dreamscene is not worth the extra 150$. If you want Dreamscene on a Homepremim there is Deskscape 2 which allows Dreamscene in Premium. Or try the other way to get it.
     
    Shadowfate, Apr 8, 2008
    #9
  10. booboo12

    booboo12 Notebook Prophet

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    I needed business for my college... but then again my college is filled with weird crap like that, so I would e-mail the tech people. The ones at my school were very helpful answering my questions.
     
    booboo12, Apr 8, 2008
    #10
  11. Apollo13

    Apollo13 100% 16:10 Screens

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    Domain joining will allow you to access your space on the school's server from your laptop, and requires either XP Pro, Vista Business, or Vista Ultimate. Not worth it if you ask me. Just buy a flash drive for the few occasions you'll need access to the school's drive.
     
    Apollo13, Apr 8, 2008
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  12. Greg

    Greg Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Most colleges will have ways for anyone to access those kinds of resources regardless of what OS you use. Domain stuff is mostly for business use only...

    Ultimate is not worth it...

    Personally, I'd get XP Pro. You get all the useful features that Ultimate has (you know, like being able to control your PC remotely), but it generally works better with programs that universities make students use.

    Your university probably has a software purchase program, where you get it for much cheaper (but you cannot legally sell it). XP for $35 anyone? :D
     
    Greg, Apr 9, 2008
    #12