Why are so many computers being sold with 64-bit Vista?

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DougR

New Member
I purchased a new Dell laptop this past Spring and opted for 64-bit Vista Home Premium. I had so many problems with applications (Dreamweaver CS3 and Ulead PhotoImpact 13 as two examples) not running properly that I got 32-bit Vista from Dell and started over.

I now need to purchase another laptop and am finding most are being sold with 64-bit Windows with no apparent option, at least from HP and Dell, to order 32-bit instead.

Other than being able to address more RAM, what is the big attraction of the 64-bit version that I'm missing?

I'd appreciate any insights anyone could offer.

Thanks,

Doug

P. S. The two applications noted above were listed on MS's site as 64-bit compatible. From my experience, they are not, as features either did not appear or didn't work that did on 32-bit machines.
 

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Apart from the RAM question MS seems to exercise a better control over the device drivers. They have a more rigid procedure before they accept a driver from a device manufacturer. That should make the system more stable. At the beginning of Vista, nearly half of all problems originated from device drivers.
In addition it seems to be the trend. Some people suggest that the 32bit systems will die out in a couple of years.
 

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32 Bit OS is fading out now ...

Beside more ram usage ....64 bit OS can run more tasks simultaneously with ease ...

As the matter of fact ...most if not all Intel processors are already in 64 bit construction ....and could run on both 32 & 64 bit OS.
 

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tek101 said:
32 Bit OS is fading out now ...

Beside more ram usage ....64 bit OS can run more tasks simultaneously with ease ...

As the matter of fact ...most if not all Intel processors are already in 64 bit construction ....and could run on both 32 & 64 bit OS.
Click to expand...


Not only Intel - same is true for AMD.
 

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    Other Info
    Also 1xHP desktop, 1xHP laptop, 1xGateway laptop
As mentioned, I suspect Win8 whenever it may be, will not even come in a 32 bit option. Vista x64 is a lot less problematic than x86, and I think that is a big point (less calls for tech support they cannot provide), plus an x64 OS is more "future proof" as newer applications demand more processing power and ram. In addition, and I think this is a huge addition, because x64 CAN address more RAM, it gives the manufacturers an excuse to include 6 or even 8 gigs of ram with the the computer, and then charge accordingly more.
 

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64 bit computing is the future - just as 32 bit was back in the "old" days.

Also, the price of RAM has plummeted over the last couple of years - so it's a cheap way for the manufacturer's to give more performance to their systems.

The number of 64 bit systems being sold is going to help pressure the software makers to write 64 bit versions - but that's going to take time. Look at how long it's taken to get a 64 bit version of Flash for a 64 bit web browser.
 

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usasma said:
64 bit computing is the future - just as 32 bit was back in the "old" days.

Also, the price of RAM has plummeted over the last couple of years - so it's a cheap way for the manufacturer's to give more performance to their systems.

The number of 64 bit systems being sold is going to help pressure the software makers to write 64 bit versions - but that's going to take time. Look at how long it's taken to get a 64 bit version of Flash for a 64 bit web browser.
Click to expand...

Certainly tests the "patience is a virtue" theory. ;)
 

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Almost all laptops sold with 4GB or more will ship 64-bit because 32-bit can’t use that much and will waste some, especially if it has an ATI or nVidia chip.

Almost all manufacturers try to out-compete each other to sell you their laptops based on “higher spec”. So since RAM is so cheap, it’s a fairly cheap way to win your business over the next brand. You see more 6GB and prolly 8 -12 soon.

They don’t really care that you can’t run your software. That’s supposed to be your own job to do the research on it. Some “important use” business models come with “XP downgrade” options if you can’t do without it.

P.S. Don't trust Microsoft. They will tell you everything works...as long as you do some obscure patching sequence, perhaps!


Vista Compatibility Wiki:
http://iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
 

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