New Dell Laptop: Vista vs XP?

[Normy]

I've done the search and I've read some -heinous- reviews of Vista.

Well, me myself and I am quite happy with my XP Sony Vaio semi-amphibious mobile heavy artillary platform [aka...tank!]. It works great, plays great DVD's on the "X-brite" screen, and has given me no trouble at all despite the fact that it has been kicked around the world 40 times. It has the added advantage of being a fairly good weapon; since it weighs over 8 pounds, if I ever bashed an intruder in the head with it...he/she would wind up quite dead with dirty underwear and a dent in the skull to prove it!

The significant other is interested in another Dell.... and is concerned about the Vista operating system. One computer that she's looking at is priced at $850, and offers an option of the XP operating system from the factory.

Question: What's the consensus on the Vista operating system? It is the future...but are the bugs killed yet?

Thanx folks!

N!

[equality72521]

I back dated from Vista to XP.

[Halm]

For $850, I doubt you can get enough computer from any vendor to run Vista and keep the wife happy. In our experience, you better have a Core Duo processor running at 2 GHz or faster and at least 2 Gb of RAM.

XP is a fine OS. And SP3 that is coming in the 1st quarter includes several performance improvements that will make it really good. Go with XP.

[legion]

Xp.

[masraum]

XP all the way.

[JavaBrewer]

Xp

[equality72521]

30 Helens agree... XP is the better OS

[techweenie]

I was looking at cheapo laptops to replace my flakey Dell desktop, and they all came with some form of Vista. I asked about installing XP and was told "that will void the warranty!" Hunh?

BTW, the laptop that runs Vista best is a MacBook Pro. Probably just as good with XP...

[equality72521]

Originally Posted by techweenie

I asked about installing XP and was told "that will void the warranty!" Hunh?

That's what they told me. Guess what? My warranty became void after 1 month. I would rather take my chances than use that POS Vista.

[JeremyD]

XP all the way - Dell will carry some products till the end of 1stQ 08 with XP

[Dave L]

My wife just got a basic Dell, with XP, it works great. I also have a free "upgrade" to Vista for my home PC that is still sitting in a drawer. Hopefully Vista will die.

[jim72911t]

I've been having my computers custom built by a local shop for a number of years now. I was in last week to talk to them about a new box for the guys on the shop floor at work, and they told me they strongly recommend against using Vista. I'm having them build me a basic unit (desktop) with XP Pro for $439 (less monitor). I think a similar laptop is in the $699 range.

Jim

[Hugh R]

I had to reinstall the Vista OS on my two months old desktop. On the other hand, it was easy to do and works fine now. Of course its only been two days.

[stealthn]

XP all the way, I've got 2 Gig on my Vista Business machine (Core Duo) and I need another 2 Gig just to make it useful.
Unless you want a learning challenge and don't mind learning a different, longer, more complicated way to do things you take for granted in XP with vista, go with XP.

Or man-up and get a real machine - Mac

[HardDrive]

I have been a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer(MCSE) since 1999. I have been selling, teaching, and consulting on their products since 1995.

XP.

I do not have a single Vista machine in my home. 6 computers, I get my OSs for free....yet not a single Vista machine. Hmmmmmm.......

[slakjaw]

I recently got a 1400.00 $ Dell and I wish I had gone with XP. 2G of RAM 2.2 Ghz dual core AMD in it and its still slower than my old IBM t42. I like Vista because it has media center and what not but still wish I had hone with XP.

[Joeaksa]

If you are worried about voiding the warranty, buy a new (and larger/faster) hard drive. Pull the "Vista" one out and put it away. Plug the new better drive in and install XP on the unit and enjoy.

NEVER, NEVER use any OS from Microsoft that does not have the first Service Pack with it! Billy Gates pushes out software to the public that needs to be debugged and its not really ready for anyone until at least 6-12 months afterwards.

[KFC911]

Originally Posted by slakjaw

I recently got a 1400.00 $ Dell and I wish I had gone with XP. 2G of RAM 2.2 Ghz dual core AMD in it and its still slower than my old IBM t42. I like Vista because it has media center and what not but still wish I had hone with XP.

I just bought a refurbished (appears like new) T42 preloaded with XP (for $600 from IBM's online site), a great bang for the buck imo.

[gr8fl4porsche]

I use Vista everyday with no complaints. I am a heavy multimedia user and it works perfectly. Never needed a reinstall, never locked up, etc. I am one of the few who prefers the slight improvements of Vista. No complaints with XP either.

But, I love challenges and learning new stuff everyday. When my friends who spend a whole lot less time on a computer everyday than myself ask if they should buy a rig with Vista I tell them no, use XP. Mainly because I don't want them calling me with computer questions.

[Mule]

I'm running Vista now. There are still connectivity issues, but I've worked my way around them. The display is head & shoulders above XP and there are some features I'm starting to enjoy. The machine is impressively fast, AMD dual core 4400, 2 gb, 320gb HD. I got that & a nice wide screeen 19" monitor & all in one Epson printer for $600. That's what enticed me to take the leap.

If you're adept at maneuvering in WP and Office, be prepared to curse a lot for the first few weeks. Now that I'm past that I'd have to give it at least a "pretty good" rating. In a boneheaded move MS removed the fax software from Home. I'm thinking Home is where you need it! Most businesses have fax machines.