Vista 64-bit OEM or Retail?

So I read about the differences between the OEM and retail versions of Vista, and the things that jumped out at me were:

1. From most retailers, you either pick the 32-bit or 64-bit version, and that's the only version you get, so you don't get both DVDs for Vista Ultimate.

2. Unlike retail versions of Vista, Microsoft will not provide free upgrades to 64-bit versions from 32-bit versions.

In other words, whatever version you pick when you configure your system is the one you're stuck with for good, unless you want to buy a full retail version.

Now with SR introduced and laptops able to take 4GB of memory, this brings up my dilemma -

I want 4GB of RAM, either in full now or with 1x2GB right now and another 1x2GB sometime in the future. Now, I'm going to pretend that having 4GB of RAM isn't a waste. Here are my choices:

1. Buy laptop with OEM vista 64-bit, bear with the incompatible software and driver issues and grit my teeth for a few months, at which point the problems will hopefully be resolved and I'll be happy.

2. Buy laptop without any OEM version of Vista at all. Buy retail version of Vista, paying about 50% more. Under-utilize about 1GB of RAM for a few months (it probably wouldn't have been used anyway), but being able to run all programs. Upgrade to 64-bit for free when better drivers are out. More expensive than option #1.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance!

 

I chose option #2 and bought the retail version of Vista, mainly because you get both 32 bit and 64 bit versions for one price, and the license is fully transferrable to another PC. Assuming that the OS will be around for 5+ years (which is highly likely) then I do not have to buy an OS for my next NB upgrade, and by that time the 64-bit version will likely be more relevant.

 

That's true, I'm only planning on keeping my laptop for 3 years. From that point of view, I'd be saving $ in the long run.....assuming Microsoft doesn't splat before then and Vista doesn't flop.

Thanks!

 

What are some examples of programs the 64 bit version will not be able to run?

Can someone provide a detailed list please?????

Thanks

 

Well, no 16-bit programs will work.

 

Yeah, but what are some examples of 16-bit programs???

 

I have to say 64bit home premiu looks set to be the best deal. I'd just buy it, and grin and bear it. Cheaper than getting both, and money doesn't grow on trees

 

you could just buy a vista 64bit OEM version from places like newegg or amazon when you decide you want to use 64bit

relying on those programs and the usability of 64bit vista can be quite a gamble. XP64 still isn't as compatible as XP32 AFAIK and it has been out for 2 years.

assuming developers finally decide to support something right now is just that....assumption.

will 64bit ever become mainstream? who knows

 

Your right sidewipe, you just made up my mind for me. I will go with the 32 bit vista Ultimate. There is no telling when developers will decide to jump on board...if ever.

 

Although, according to this site, it's not so bad--at least for most programs that are kept up to date. I only see maybe 2-3 programs that I use on that list that are not completely compatible, and I can work around those.

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_RTM_Software_Compatibility_List

 

Vista Ultimate retail comes with both a 32 bit and a 64 bit version, each on its own disc. You can only have 1 version installed on your machine at one time, however. I originally installed the 64 bit version on my desktop, and it ran quite well, except for a few hardware drivers issues and a few of my aps would not run at all. The thing that bothered me most about the 64 bit version is that some programs would simply hang, and the OS would simply not install or hang up and not even give me a window saying what was wrong. Due to the hardware issues and the aps not running I uninstalled the 64 bit and went with the 32 bit, and have had almost no problems. In fact, I'm really enjoying Vista so far.

My one major complaint with Vista so far is that when I reinstalled the 32 bit OS it would not reactivate with MS (because I had activated the 64 bit version) and it took me over an hour on the phone with MS support to get my system activated.

 

Oh, I misread your OP, sorry you're talking about the OEM specifically, sorry.

 

Dont forget the upgrade disk has the same licence as the full version, it can go on multiple machines. And its much cheaper.

All your supposed to have to use the upgrade is any former version of windows on the machine and it will wipe it clean and put vista on (actually there is even a thing called "over the top" installs wich replaces your current OS with Vista but keeps all your data and programs installed and on the disk but I dont recomend it)

But I will say this you dont have to have a former version of windows to use the upgrade disk... there is a "way" to use it as a full install disk all by itself

I dont know this forum well since I am new so dont know if it would be appropriate to explane the method. So google it.

 

On my desktop I wanted to keep both XP and install Vista in a dual boot cofiguration. This does not violate any of the licenses ( I think ) according to Microsoft. However, since I was installing Vista on it's own brand new HD it wouldn't install because it is the upgrade version it looked for my old xp on the new HD. I simply installed XP on my new HD, but did not activate it. I then installed Vista over xp and it worked fine (and legal).