64-bit?

[ejohns]

I'm looking at purchasing my first Vista machine and my first tablet PC.

I am looking at a HP tx2110US model with an AMD Processor at 2.1 ghz, 3gb RAM, and a 64-bit processor and version of Vista Home Premium.

My question/concern lies within the 64-bit factor...I am unfamiliar with the actual difference between 32-bit and 64-bit and just wondering if having a 64-bit processor/OS could run me into any problems with software compatibility?

Any suggestions/comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Shao128]

What do you plan on using the tablet pc for primarily? More specifically is there any particular software you plan on using that you are curious about compatibility?

 

[ejohns]

I plan on using it for college.
So I will be installing Office 2007 Professional Plus and OneNote. As well as various applications for the college network, such as Sophos and Pharos Clients.

 

[robotman5]

64-bit is mucher better than 32-bit as u all would no

 

[Dzomlija]

I plan on using it for college.
So I will be installing Office 2007 Professional Plus and OneNote. As well as various applications for the college network, such as Sophos and Pharos Clients.

Before you go the x64 route, you should confirm that the "Sophos" and "Pharos Clients" software you plan on using is x64 compatible. Otherthan that, I'd recommend Vista x64 any day of the week.

Oh, and rather have 4GB ram put in your new machine...

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

64-bit is better for advanced hardware. Getting it work with with older software can be a pain.

 

[ejohns]

From what I've been hearing, it definitely sounds like 64-bit is better than 32-bit...

My only concern is whether or not I can run all necessary programs/services/drivers in 64-bit????????????

I did contact the IT department of my future college and they do not typically deal with 64-bit and were relatively surprised when I mentioned the fact I am even considering getting a 64-bit processor/OS on a tablet PC for college

 

[Shao128]

If you are refering to Sophos anti-virus, I remember reading a while back it works with x64, but like Dzomlija said you may want to comfirm that and Pharos.

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

Do 32-bit so you can get support at college. You don't need problems with your computer.

 

[ejohns]

...
The only thing is the laptop I'm looking at is on a really good sale, pre-built.

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

Most laptops in stores come with 32-bit OS installed. You can only access 32-bit apps. Which is most apps you will ever use? Very few apps are 64-bit. You can't use more than 4GB of total RAM. You have 3GB. School supports 32-bit OS.

 

[Dwarf]

Hi ejohns,

In addition to what Michael has mentioned, you may be interested in this. In an earlier post you mentioned 'Office OneNote'. I use 'Office Home and Student 2007' on a 32-bit system. According to the system requirements, "Send to Office OneNote print driver not available on a 64-bit operating system". Whether that also applies to the Professional Plus edition of Office 2007 I cannot say - you need to check what it says on the packing.
Dwarf

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

Many of Microsoft's apps are 32-bit only. FRx for MS Great Plains Dynamics needs its sysdata folder on a 32-bit OS.

 

[sidney1st]

I personally run 32 bit vista/xp on all computers except one.
I don't want to be bothered by drivers, apps that i use etc..... For what those computers are for, 2 to 3 gigs of memory are enough. When i see people writing 2 or 3 letters per week, watching movies or TV, surfing and using MSN saying that X64 is a wonder compare to X86, it makes me laughing.
On a particular monster i installed 64 bit just because some home made progs need to use much more memory (quite a lot indeed) and use really the cores of the CPU.

 

[angelo621]

software compatibility are past issues. most of the software today are 64bit ready. but to be sure, check it.
Dzomlija our Moderartor and SCSIraidGURU vista pro is right, older softaware and hardware will give you a headache. but using 64bit will give you lot of benefits.

 

[SCSIraidGURU]

I have several apps that will not run in 64-bit at all.

Veritas Backup Exec 12 for Windows Server will not run as a media server on Vista x64. Only XP x64 or XP along with server OS

FRx for Great Plains
Cisco VPN software
Cisco CCNA routersim software
A few games

Since he will be using the school for support and using their apps. 32-bit would be a better choice. You don't want a computer that can't run your apps for class.

 

[z3r010]

Looking at the system and proposed usage, I would go the 32 bit route.