32 / 64 bits

[Maciej]

I'm going to buy notebook and I wonder whether installedWindows XP
should be 64- or 32-bits.

What are pros and cons of 64-bit version?
Which devices won't work with it?
How much is it efficient over 32-bit version?
What software won't work on it?
Will I need 64-bit version of software: Office, Java, etc or I may use
32-bit versions?

All the best
Maciej

 

[John John]

Will the notebook supplier ship it with x64 installed and supported? If
not don't bother unless you want to experiment. The biggest problem
with 64 bit now is that some drivers are hard to come by, the
proprietary nature of notebook hardware will only exacerbate the
situation if the manufacturer doesn't support x64.

John

 

[Harry Ohrn]

There is really no advantage to running 64 bit at present and the downside
is that there are many applications that won't run under 64 as well as it
can be very difficult to find drivers for some hardware. If you plan to do
office work then stick with 32 bit.

 

[Gene K]

Like anything else new that the computer magazines rant and rave about, it
takes years [2 to 4 usually] to see hardware/software availability that will
work. Another example is ieee1394b [or Firewire 800].

 

[Maciej]

thank you