I need a new PC - should I stay with XP or buy the new Vista
 

Hi JW

It's time to upgrade my PC, bigger monitor etc....
one of the first questions is:

Should I get XP ( which I prefer atm) or buy the new Vista?

Pros / Cons ?
btw the PC is mainly used for Picture Editing, some Office and Internet, nothing else.

Appreciate your support!

stmoritzer

Make sure which ever software you are using that it is Vista compatible or that there are plugins to get it working with Vista. Or you might have to rebuy a Vista version.

I am not sure which Picture Editing software you are using.

And make sure you have enough RAM in the new computer with Vista and a decent video card. All that eye candy can be taxing on your system. Although I am running with 1GB of ram and a crappy Geforce GPU, and it seems okay. About to buy another GB or two of ram when prices are cheap.

Goodluck!

I'd go Vista after at least Service Pack One

Might as well go for Vista since you can get it preinstalled with a new computer. I like it and feel it is an improvement over XP.

As ae86_16v said make sure to get a good system with 2GB of ram and a decent video card.

BUT

If you have any peripheral devices (web cams, scanners, game controllers, printers, mice) make sure they are compatible with Vista.. although if they are from big name manufactures and are relatively new, they should work just fine.

I would go for Vista..

But if you do decide to take XP, make sure the PC is also Vista compatible!

I think I would take this opportunity to pass to Vista but indeed you have to check what program you need and have already buy to be sure that they will work with Vista :wink:

Vista really isn't that bad when it comes to compatibility and bugs. It's probably their best introduction to a new OS, ever. They have already out sold the most copies of any previous Windows versions during the first 2 months.

I have switched back to XP on the new desktop and new laptop.

Vista is a hog - and wihtout 2GB or ram, dont even bother. Software issues and plug n play hardware driver issues are the number one problems if you are tryign to support your current software and hardware peripherals.

XP is quicker and faster than Vista on equal hardware.

The switch is not worth the trouble if you have to pay extra.

Uhm no - compatibilyt is far far worse than Windows XP or even Widows XP or even Windows NT was.

The list of no-go products and software is huge.

Understand Vista is the "big switch" to the new hardware and core - very similar to the switch from 95 to NT - its the "big one" - where there is no going back once the hardware and software vendors fully migrate everything over - but until that time, you as a consumer with existing soft and hardware are better off with XP or even Windows 2000 if you need it.

I thought about making the switch but decided against it and stayed with XP. I just installed some stuff to make my comp look like its running Vista with the clear windows and everything.

Vista definitely requires more power all around, and XP of course faster on equal hardware.

I haven't had any compatibility problems except for MAMEWAH I got from Jabba. All my games and applications work well as well as my hardware. Although I just built the PC with all the latest hardware.

If he is going to be using relatively new software and no specialized business apps, then everything should be fine compatibility wise.

With all the trouble mentioned relating to Vista, will it ever be a succes? Or do we keep using XP forever?

It will take a while for the other partners to sort everything out. Once they issues new drivers and updates then it will be okay.

Or like Evo said. . . wait until Service Pack 1, which should be at the end of the year.

I heard a lot of businesses are waiting until SP1 for everything to get sorted out. That and they don't want to spend the extra money on hardware and software to upgrade, for the sake of having a nicer GUI. :D

^^ Ah I see..

Vista wont be ready for big business and corporations anytime soon.. Vista at home is one thing, but running it on a major network infrastructure along with many specialized applications is a very different with way more compatibility issues.