Vista Ultimate 32 Bit vs 64

I am planning to buy a Levono T61 when announced at the end of May.
My question is should I buy Vista 32 bit or Vista 64? This will be the only computer that I will use for me personally at home.

My typical uses are:

1.Email.
2.Internet surfing.
3.Photos
4.Cam corder videos
5.A few games
6.Basic Windows Office 2007 applications
7.Using my HP Officejet L7680 all in one

My question stems from looking forward several years and not wanting to be outdated and to try to mitigate potential future obsolesence.

I realize that there might be compatibility issues with available software.
What current and future issues might I experience? Are there any major benefits of a 64 bit operating system over a 32 bit...ie speed and throughput?

Thank you in advance for your feedback,

Altoid666

 

32bit will be around for a very long time as 64bit doesnt really do anything for the average user, which is where your usage seems to fit into. if it costs more then you really dont need the 64bit at all. current issues are some applications may never support 64bit XP or vista and not all vendors bother releasing 64bit drivers or at least they dont release them as soon as the 32bit ones.

speed? throughput? nope you wont notice any difference. the major benefits are only for developers who need huge amounts of RAM (over 4GB) and other advanced aspects of 64bit processing which most of us will never need or use.

 

just as a note ... you get both...

you might have 32 bit but your license is for 64 bit also... so the key you get will work with a 64 bit install dvd..

 

reall samov? does this apply to premium and business vista as well? so say I buy the 32bit oEM version from newegg or amazon, i can just get the 64bit disc and use the same key?

 

Not too many developers for x64 operating system. Some programs will go into compatability mode for x86 but then that defeats the purpose of a dedicated x64. I would recommend to look at software/hardware makers to see if they have x64 programs/drivers you intend to use.

 

If you buy OEM this is does not apply. With retail version you get both. If you have a retail version MS will send you the 64bit DVD for a few $ shipping costs.