Vista 32bit vs 64bit

Hey,
I was browsing around the net for customizable laptops, and I landed on one from RJ: http://www.rjtech.com/miva/merchant...t_Code=FL90&Category_Code=CPL&Product_Count=0.

What I'm wondering about is what the difference is between Vista 32bit and the 64 bit version. They both cost the same amount, is one better than the other?

Also, I've heard many horror stories pertaining to Vista bugs, should I bother upgrading from XP Home or not?


Specs:
Compal FL90 Notebook Computer, 15.4" LCD
Display: 15.4" WXGA
Video Card: nVidia 8600 GT 512MB
CPU: T7250 (Intel Core 2 Duo 2mb L2 Cache, 2.0Ghz) $220.00
DDR2 Memory: Kingston 2GB DDR2/667 - 2 $110.00
TurboMemory: 1GB $35.00
HDD: 120GB SATA 5400rpm $80.00
CD: 8x DVD+/-RW DL
External FDD: None
Battery: 9-Cell Li-Ion Battery
AC Adapter: Standard
Network Adapter: Integrated GBLAN
Bluetooth: None
WLAN: Intel 4965N $45.00
TV Tuner: None
OS: Win Vista Home Premium x64 $120.00
Software: None
Carry Bag: None
Warranty: 1 Year
LCD Protection: None
Installation: Install
Ship Schedule: Regular
For $1,339.

Thanks for the help (AWESOME site btw)!

 

This topic as been covered many times. I suggest you do a search but the main difference is RAM. 32bit can have a max of 3 gigs and 64 can have much more than that

 

Well 64-bit take advantage of the new architecture and increase CPU performance by 10-15%. But I don't think you'll notice that much. Maybe when encoding video

 

If you want to go past 3gigs of RAM then its worth it. Or if have one of the very few applications...very few.....that see a noticible performance boot with it (50% or more) then you might want it.

If you dont have either above then go 32bit and save your self a few hassles of the occasional driver or application issue problem.

I have seen where some 32bits applications actually perform worse under Vista 64bit. Not by much but they do.

 

As many have said there are a ton of threads discussing this.

Over time, something I've realized is.. Find out if you need a 64 bit OS. If yes, get it. If no - do you WANT a 64 bit OS? If yes get it and satisfy yourself!

I've installed 64 bit twice on my machine just for curiosity, I don't need it or see any noticeable performance gains over even though 32 bit vista recognized 3582mb of the 4096mb of ram installed. I would have stuck with 64 bit if my docking station releases 64 bit drivers.

 

Until more games are written to take advantage of 64bit and there is a working 16bit emulator for Vista64, no reason for me to switch. Its all about DOS and Win3.11 support!

 

i was thinking of switching. i only have 2 gigs of ram but i use cad and 3d studio max. if i download the 64 bit version of 3d studio max will things render faster?thanks