Buying an HP tablet: Vista 32 bit or 64 bit?

Question

I'm buying a customizable HP tablet from costco, and I was wondering whether or not it would be worth it to upgrade to vista 64-bit from 32-bit. The upgrade is free, but from what I have heard, Vista 64 has a lot of trouble with drivers, and runs 32-bit software poorly. On the other hand, since it is a laptop, HP should be able to provide all of the proper 64-bit drivers and I shouldn't have the same troubles that I would with a desktop. Getting Vista 64-bit would also enable me to have 4GB of RAM instead of 3.

So, how much of an increase in performance is there with Vista 64-bit over 32-bit (with the same amount of RAM)? How much of a difference in speed will I notice if I have 64-bit vista AND 4GB of RAM instead of 3? Are there any driver problems with HP tablets and Vista 64? Is it worth the hassle? If I do go 64-bit, is the extra GB of RAM worth $98?

Answer 1

you can never have too much ram

Answer 2

There are a few differences between the two types. x64 can run twice as many colours than x32, giving a much better looking image than you would be used to. Also, performance-wise, x64 is much faster than x32, and the difference is immediately noticable. Besides that, on an x32 system, the max amount of RAM that can be installed is 4GB, whereas on Vista Ultimate x64, you can have 128GB.

The main disadvantage of x64 (on XP mainly though) was that alot of programs still aren't compatible, deciding to stay with x32 for a little while longer. But seeing as Vista is primarily an x64 system, that problem won't be around much longer.

Hope that helps=]

Answer 3

32-bit vs. 64-bit Vista comparison table…

http://www.mydigitallife.info/2008/06/04...

Windows Vista - SuperFetch & ReadyBoost

http://blogs.technet.com/askperf/archive...

Understanding how SuperFetch uses RAM to enhance system performance…

http://blogs.techrepublic.com.com/window...

32-bit means it can only address 2^32 (2 to the 32nd power) = 4GB memory spaces.

That would be RAM + VRAM + other devices on Motherboard, etc.  

e.g. If you have a 1 GB VRAM, you will prolly only be able to get 2.7GB user RAM approx.

This one's a bit technical, but it describes some of the nitty-gritty of 64-bit technology.

http://www.bit-tech.net/bits/2007/10/16/...

Considering this, SuperFetch is probably the most significant feature that distinguishes Vista from all other OS's for the users across the board.  Many other features won't be noticeable or even used by the common person (that is until commercial developers start using WPF/WFC etc., and even more DX10).  So why not take advantage of it?

If this is any indication that 64-bit is the wave of the future and 32-bit will be “obsolete”…

“There appears to be a shift taking place in the PC industry: the move from 32-bit to 64-bit PCs.

We've been tracking the change by looking at the percentage of 64-bit PCs connecting to Windows Update, and have seen a dramatic increase in recent months. The installed base of 64-bit Windows Vista PCs, as a percentage of all Windows Vista systems, has more than tripled in the U.S. in the last three months, while worldwide adoption has more than doubled during the same period.  Another view shows that 20% of new Windows Vista PCs in the U.S. connecting to Windows Update in June were 64-bit PCs, up from just 3% in March. Put more simply, usage of 64-bit Windows Vista is growing much more rapidly than 32-bit. Based on current trends, this growth will accelerate as the retail channel shifts to supplying a rapidly increasing assortment of 64-bit desktops and laptops.”

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/window...

Answer 4

do you want to play games on it? most games are set to run in 32-bit, so they may not give assistance if it doesnt work as it is not in the recommended bit setting thingy. and you might as well get a better processor for the price of the Upgrade, that ought to help. only problem if you have be best processor