Newby - info re: 32 vs 64 bit

K

kcbeachgal

New Member
Hi - I'm brand new to this site. I'm buying my daughter a laptop for Xmas - she's going to be taking college classes on-line. How important is 32 bit vs. 64 bit? I'm considering a Dell Studio 15 (won't go into the build) but it doesn't seem to offer a 64 bit OS. How important is this? Thanks in advance!
 
At this time 64bit editions of Windows or other OSs are still an option not a requirement since all desktop applications and pc games are still 32bit. The software companies have been rather slow seeing any new 64bit softwares while driver support is starting to be seen now with Vista over the sad lack of it for XP Pro 64bit.
 
If all she will be doing is basic computing such as word processing, using the internet, etc. 32 bit will work just fine.
 
I appreciate your prompt replies! I think I'll stick with the 32 bit for her right now. She's majoring in accounting so I guess that will suit her needs just fine.
 
For desktop applications like MS Word, Spreedsheet apps, and other desktop applications all being 32bit you wouldn't run into any compatibility issues running a 32bit edtition of either XP or Vista with Vista being the latest version of Windows out.

Following the next version now labeled code name Vienna or Windows 7 Microsoft may no longer release any 32bit editions for the versions to follow. That's when everything will eventually start going 64bit.

ADDITIONAL:

One thing further to add here is that when going out to choose any new model laptop/notebook you will likely see Vista Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, and possibly the Basic edition depending on make and model already preinstalled. When ordering direct through Dell they have been offering the choice of OS while models sold retail in stores will see one of the 32bit editions on them there.
 
Last edited:
PC eye said:
When ordering direct through Dell they have been offering the choice of OS while models sold retail in stores will see one of the 32bit editions on them there.
Click to expand...

One small correction.

If the computer has 4GB or more of memory, Retail versions are using the 64 bit version. I work part time at a retailer and was pleasantly suprised to discover that.
 
You may now be seeing some models by Dell with a 64bit edition on but not many. That's simply to offer the alternative there being the new 64bit side of things being promoted by MS and Dell working together in a sense. After 7 comes out we'll all likely be running 64bit with following versions since MS plans to dump the 32bit kernel.
 
You have to look at how ME/2000/XP ruled the 32bit realm there to see why it's still going to be some time before transition from 32bit to 64bit is realized. I'll think you will start seeing more 64bit softwares once 7 is out since Vista 64 is only the second version of Windows to see any 64bit releases.

The recommendation at this time, kcbeachgal, is finding what you think is the best brand/model laptop you would want to see your daughter using. Something with a good sized hard drive and a good 2gb with some seeing 3gb and other features she would be comfortable with.

Just don't break the bank trying to over invest in one since laptops generally don't much room for upgrading at a later date.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top