I know this is probably a question to consult google with, but I would like to a get a real world answer from the helpful TSG members.
So, I am looking at buying a new laptop and am not sure if I should go with Vista 32 bit or 64 bit.
I would like to go with 64 bit since it'll allow me to recognize all 4GB of RAM, but I have heard there are some drawbacks. What are they? What would you recommend?
To keep it very simple, go 64 bit if you need (not want) the memory space and you are pretty sure you can get compatible drivers for the hardware you're anticipating using. Usually a laptop is pretty self-contained so that shouldn't be as much of a problem.
I think you just made a good argument for not going to 64 bit. What do you have or do you anticipate using that will use 4 gigs of ram at the same time? From my experience and benchmarks I've seen, the vast majority of activities cause no discernable difference in performance above 2 gigs. So there's a difference in wanting to take advantage of 4 gigs and actually doing so. If you have something that will for even 10% of use time then that might be worthwhile.
As far as changing over from 32-64bit I'm only familiar with the Windows Anytime Upgrade which does not allow going from 32 bit to 64 bit in the process. Your situation would be a little bit different, more like going cross-platform and not upgrading so I'm not certain what the rules are there.
I did find out that your key is compatible with each version (32/64) of Windows. You just have to obtain that disc from your computer manufacturer, etc. and then use your key.
Thank you so much for learning I can go to 32-bit on this factory installed 64-bit.
So many softwares are not compatible.
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