Need new Laptop rec & Windows XP vs Vista

**Luigi** · 05-08-2008, 08:34 AM

Hello,

I'm in need a recommendation for a laptop, specifically Dell Brands. I'm a very light gamer, and need it for word processing, adobe acrobat pro, adobe photoshop, and other small applications.

The two dell models that come to mind are: Dell Inspirion 1525 (stocked with vista) and the Dell Inspirion 1520 (stocked with XP). The 1525 is the newer, slimmed down model of the 1520. I'm concerned about Window's Vista and the incompatibility issues, slowness (resource intensive), and the fact that I don't need the features in Vista.

So I guess the question is, is Vista stable enough to use? Would I be better off with XP for the next 3 years until Vista works itself out?

Thanks in advance,

-Luigi

**Magnumutz** · 05-08-2008, 09:05 AM

You can always buy the 1525 and install XP on it

**Rocket 442** · 05-08-2008, 09:32 AM

Vista is only a memory hog until you trim the fat. I have a Lenovo T61 Widescreen and got it with Vista 3 months ago. I've had absolutely no problems with anything or even compatibility.

As much as people give Vista a bad wrap, they just don't want change. The ReadyBoost is great, and I've got a USB Drive with 4 gigs also speeding the processing up when it's on.

All I really suggest if you get Vista is to go to services.msc and disable 3/4 of what you don't need. You'll notice your ram frees about 1/2 of what was taken.

Remember, no one originally wanted to switch from 98 to XP but now it's always been a solid OS. They've always got less problems than Apples

**Cerberus** · 05-08-2008, 10:33 AM

HP Pavilion dv9620us Refurbished Notebook PC - AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual-Core TL-58 1.9GHz, 802.11bg Wireless, 2GB DDR2, 240GB HDD, DL DVD RW, 17" WXGA+, Integrated Webcam, Windows Vista Home Premium RB-GS719UAR#ABA at TigerDirect.com

Thats a nice deal for as lappys go

**nfn** · 05-08-2008, 11:08 AM

Well, I'm going to switch in a week or two.
I'm tired of using Windows, so Mac will be

**Luigi** · 05-08-2008, 02:56 PM

Interesting so far. With the advent of Windows 7 due to be released in 2010 is Vista something that is a stepping stone to something better. Much like Windows ME was to Windows XP? Also how much RAM should I get with the laptop to run vista?

I'll probably end up getting the one with Vista, but would rather not if I'm going to have to learn Windows 7 in two years time.

-Luigi

**Rocket 442** · 05-08-2008, 07:02 PM

2 Gigs is fine, and then just use a usb storage drive thingamober that has 100 names that is readyboost approved and it'll feel like you've got closer to 3 or 4 gigs.

**Curio** · 05-08-2008, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket 442

Remember, no one originally wanted to switch from 98 to XP but now it's always been a solid OS. They've always got less problems than Apples

So... if I've never had a problem with my Mac... Windows has negative problems?

(Heh... pun)

**Rocket 442** · 05-08-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curio

So... if I've never had a problem with my Mac... Windows has negative problems?

(Heh... pun)

The stuff Apples advertising campaigns don't tell you :banana:

Mac versus Windows vulnerability stats for 2007 | Zero Day | ZDNet.com

**Curio** · 05-09-2008, 04:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rocket 442

The stuff Apples advertising campaigns don't tell you :banana:

Mac versus Windows vulnerability stats for 2007 | Zero Day | ZDNet.com

Numbers are funny.