Keeping XP vs. Buying Vista

[Jschmuck2]

So here's my dilemma. I'm putting together a new system that will have 4gb of ram. I currently own a legit copy of XP Pro.

We all know the ram limit on the 32bit XP and I'm wondering if I'll have to bite the bullet and pick up Vista. I'm not opposed to Vista, I'm just opposed to spending an extra Benjamin on it.

So which do you do? And if you decide to get Vista, where's the cheapest place to get it?

 

[JackMDS]

It depends on what you are doing on yout PC.

In many cases the additional 2GB RAM does nothing for the users.

 

[Urtho]

Microsoft Windows Vista 64-Bit Home Premium - $95

If there's a cheaper listing for it, I don't know about it. Post up if you do.

When building new, I would not go with a 7 year old OS just on general principal. I have a legit full version copy of XP Professional myself yet I still got Vista with my new build as I wanted a completely fresh start. If money is tight there's nothing wrong with staying on XP, but I'd go with Vista myself. The FUD and problems reported out there on the net regarding it are way overblown in my experience.

 

[n7]

$95 for Vista x64 = win.

Vista loves 4+ GB; you'll have a nice snappy system with that kinda config.

Obviously, if you really don't want to spend the money, don't.

But personally, i can't really stand XP.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: n7
But personally, i can't really stand XP.

What do you find offensive about XP?
Have you ever used Windows 2000?

 

[Roguestar]

I loved Win2k, and only used XP for four months before moving to Vista (seeing as how I've to use XP in uni/work anyway) and I'd definitely recommend to go for Vista.

 

[PascalT]

Since I got 4gb and then a bit later 8gb I really really love Vista 64. It's snappier than XP ever was. With 4gb of ram it should be nice too. SP1 really made everything speedier.

 

[DSF]

In your position I went with my legit copy of XP a couple months ago. Can't really complain. I don't do anything that needs the extra 512MB of RAM that XP can't see.

If you want Vista though, it's certainly justifiable to spend the money.

 

[Ausm]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: n7
But personally, i can't really stand XP.

What do you find offensive about XP?
Have you ever used Windows 2000?

What the hell is wrong with Win2K? That was the must bulletproof OS Microshaft has ever made.

 

[Roguestar]

Windows 2000 is a reliable woman.

 

[cparker]

You asked two questions. As to the first question vista or no vista, you haven't given much information as to just why you would need to utilize a full 4 gigs plus of ram for a 64 bit os. That being the case, I really can't see how to answer your question.

As to the second, the cheapest way to get vista, well you can pick up a retail upgrade of home basis vista from Amazon for less than 50 bucks shipped. You get it from the non Amazon suppliers, and you can get it in the normal retail box sealed for around that price. It's an upgrade version, so it has some advantages and disadvantages over oem editions. So it might be a great deal for you or not. Otherwise the best deals are the oem versions of home premium as has been stated earlier. If the aero interface is important to you then that's the way to go, I suppose. Otherwise home basic for 50 is a pretty good deal.

 

[PokerGuy]

Unless there's a reason to actually have 4 Gig of ram, I'd save the money and just continue to use XP Pro. Vista does not offer any particularly compelling features, and given the same hardware setup is just plain slower.

If you really need to have 4 gig for some reason, then sure, go with Vista 64....

 

[will889]

LMAO @ N7 and the vista luvinz and XP angerz. You have to admit he has superb unintentional humor.

 

[nerp]

Stop. You're all starting to sound like mac zealots.

 

[CSMR]

Why not sell the XP pro?

 

[Roguestar]

Originally posted by: nerp
Stop. You're all starting to sound like mac zealots.

Dear lord, the apocalypse is upon us .

 

[jsbush]

Originally posted by: Roguestar
Windows 2000 is a reliable woman.

I ran Win2k with Win98se for the longest time. Couldn't stand XP. and 2k couldn't play most games.

All in all, Win2k was da sh!t.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: n7
But personally, i can't really stand XP.

What do you find offensive about XP?

 

[themisfit610]

LOL

Win2k is a great OS - it's just too bad Microsoft doesn't patch it anymore

Time to move on from Win2k, guys. It's been 7 years.

I make exception for legacy applications of course.

I was involved in the deployment of ~3000 workstations at a hospital, and probably half of them got fresh Win2k images, to support legacy apps.

~MiSfit

 

[n7]

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: n7
But personally, i can't really stand XP.

What do you find offensive about XP?

I never said i found XP offensive.

I do find it to be an old outdated OS though.

I've switched every PC in my place over to Vista long ago, & wouldn't dream of going back to XP.

 

[themisfit610]

Yeah... there's nothing wrong with XP. I use it on my brand new laptop, and all the computers at work. It's a great OS. I have absolutely zero problems with it, and it is honestly a bit faster when it comes to crunching.

But, Vista is clean, and actually feels faster due to Aero and Superfetch. I see no reason to go back. All my hardware issues (I had several) pre SP1 are taken care of.

Happy

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: n7

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: Blain

Originally posted by: n7
But personally, i can't really stand XP.

What do you find offensive about XP?

I never said i found XP offensive.

I do find it to be an old outdated OS though.

Sorry, but it sounded as if XP offensive to you by the statement...
"i can't really stand XP"

I thought there was more to the story than simply a perception of an outdated OS.

 

[gsellis]

Back on topic...

OP, if you go with more the 3GB, get Vista 64. Better driver support of the 64-bit MS OS'. Otherwise, either is fine, for the short term. Long term, watch for XP to start losing updates to drivers, etc. around 2010. There is been very few OS updates that have been life altering. New features and bling, but that is about it.

//Plug and Play was the biggest thing to date if anything could be considered life altering.

 

[biostud]

do you need DX10?

 

[Rottie]

If you decide to go with Vista make sure all hardwares you bought will work with Vista. I was close to switch to Vista when it come out last year and I had bought new webcam 4 months before Vista was released...Guess what? Creative Labs decided not to make new webcam driver for Vista so I stay with Windows XP
But I got new laptop with Vista it looks nice but I hate UAC!