New computer selection
lightyear
Registered Users Posts: 185 Major grins
I have just (finally)entered the digital from the film world and recognize I must upgrade my ancient desktop. I have the new hardware requirements fairly well established (computer, large LCD, etc.) but have run up against the Vista vs. XP Pro problem. My existing system, with much legacy software(which I prefer to retain) and my own XP Pro(transferable) could be transferred to a new custom built system, or to the still available Dell XP machines, but I have found conflicting information as to Vista. HP machines now only come with Vista, and Dell is fully swtiching very soon, and I prefer a factory unit for the service and warranty.Some articles opine that all is transferable and usable and that Vista, as XP replacement, operates better than XP. Others say it does not. It is clear now that many writers have not actually made the switch to Vista and are resisting it, and writing about something that they really have not tested. I don't want to make a BIG mistake, and would appreciate DGrinner's knowledgable comments. Thanks.
Stan
Stan
0
Comments
consider: check compatibility of any apps you are married to...that's the deal killer.
Hmmm....how about BIOS settings?
(BTW, I use a Mac mostly for photography work).
Don't be afraid of Vista. I don't understand the press, it is silly. I will remind others that XP was 'horribly incompatible' when it came out as was...dare I say it.....Max OS X.
I am not going to buy a new computer,replace its hard disc drive and operating system, and hope that it will work properly. Warranties & factory service(the reason to buy a factory built computer) are then voided.
I have not found any source that can tell me what my existing XP compatible legacy software is compatible with Vista, with Microsoft being the most useless, but Dell could only say to buy their Vista machines and "see what happens".They said that much of the new software that is being released will be Vista and not XP compatible, but I suspect that the two people who told me really had no solid data to support their contention.
I appreciate the DGrin comments, but hope that someone else will comment on his experience with Vista. Thanks.
Stan
But, I gave the laptop to my wife, not because of Vista, which I was happy with, but because I wanted a new desktop with a big monitor for really serious photography work.
I chose to go with with an iMac. I did this for two reasons: 1) a refurb 24" iMac was about the same $$ as a Dell plus a 24" IPS monitor (iMac 24" is IPS monitor), and 2) well I wanted to try something new, you know the geek in me. Given that I can run VMWare Fusion with Windows on it, there is no risk in this decision. That was it. Mac isnt 'better' in fact, the experience is nearly the same, since I mostly use apps, not the OS. Some nice apps do ship with the Mac.