Guidelines for buying a new computer with Vista - Year 2008

A new computer with a sticker attached saying 'Vista Capable or 'compatibility' is NOT good enough! Vista's new 'Aero' interface requires more RAM and a good video card. It would be wise to shop for a computer with 'Windows Vista Premium Ready'. For a complete description, see Microsoft's GetReady page (outside this site).

Beware of Basic 'Vista Ready' or 'Capable' Computers

Just because a new computer comes with Vista pre-installed does not mean it will run well on that configuration.

It would be like stating that a 1980 standard VW Car is 'capable' being driven smoothly at a speed of say 185KPH! The cost to make such a car perform at that speed, with good handling, safety and comfort, would likely exceed the value of another car that may already match that requirement - for less cost!

Windows 'Vista Capable' PCs do not allow you to take advantage of every feature available in Vista. Only Vista Premium graded (outside this site) computers can take advantage of all the features in Vista, including Windows Aero. Notes: Windows Aero (outside this site) is a new interface and visual style that adds additional user convenience to the Vista user interface.

Vista Hardware Recommendations (realistic)

What about the Computer hardware recommendations for Vista? I suggest, from practical experience, the following hardware (minimum):

• Processor: Pentium 4 Core 2 Duo E4500 or greater (2.2Ghz+)
• Memory: 2Gb RAM (you will need Vista x64 if you need more than 4Gb)
• Video: 256MB Graphics card. nVidia, ATI or Intel's (integrated) chipset
• Hard Drive: 160GB minimum
• Optical Disk: DVD Dual Layer DVD +/-RW
• Display: 19" LCD Monitor (or bigger) - you eyes will appreciate this

Be sure to get Vista with the NEW Vista Service Pack 1 (outside this site) installed. It was officially released in February 2008 and I will state that it is an essential pre-requisite to the security. Notes: When a new operating system is first released (like Vista), most problems are not discovered for some length of time.

Upgrading your current Computer to Vista?

If you are considering a Vista upgrade to your current machine, I advise you against this! The cost of adding higher levels of hardware (as required for satisfaction using Vista) will be the same as a new Vista Premium Ready Computer.

I see many very basic new computers (from my own clients), which have Windows Vista pre-installed. Some of these new computers have only 512Mb of memory, and they run with Vista very slow! There are still a number of programs (and some external hardware), which is not yet compatible with Vista. For which type of Vista package, I highly recommend Vista Ultimate for general home and business.

There is a good Vista book I will recommend that you do purchase. It will help you get up to speed on Windows Vista. 'Windows Vista Secrets' makes for an easy and enjoyable read. It is now available in Australia:

(outside this site)

(outside this site)



Windows Vista Secrets
by Brian Livingston
Price $43.95 (Australian inc GST) (outside this site)

 

Desktop Recommendations for General-Purpose Computer needs

My recommended computer configurations for new systems are shown below. Estimated prices are effective as at March 2008, and are based on small form factor Acer Desktop Computer (Windows) system or all-in-one Apple iMac (Mac OS) systems.

Low-Cost Computer PCs = Not Recommended for Vista!

Growing price reductions resulting from market competition and continued technical innovation make the definition of "Low-Cost PCs" a changing target. It is generally true, however, that computers priced in the bottom 30% of the current range will result in a compromise of performance, reliability, compatibility, or expandability. This is done to meet the lowest possible market costs = beware!

Upgrade your XP operating system - without Vista:

If you are not ready to buy a new Windows Vista computer, here are some tips that will give your existing Windows XP-based system some of the features in the new Vista:

• Download Internet Explorer 7: This new XP version of Microsoft's browser enhances internet searches with quick tabs. Also, for security, this update adds features like a phishing filter and malware protection. XP users can download Internet Explorer 7 here (outside this site)
• Download Windows Media Player 9: Vista adds new emphasis on creating, storing and organizing your photos, videos, TV shows, and music. Windows Media Player 9 allows you to create your own multi-media library. It also enhances support for DVD and Music. Valid XP users can download Windows Media Player 9 here (outside this site)
• Create your own Vista 'like' gadgets and sidebar with Google Desktop (outside this site) or Yahoo Widgets (outside this site)
• Download and Install the free Spybot 'Spyware and Malware' (outside this site) Tool, this will give your XP computer a similar protection as Vista's 'Defender' software.

Spend more on a good computer, and less on software

(outside this site)

So you just bought a recommended new computer, it runs Vista very well, but you now find it has a 60-day trial version of Office 2007! Do you really need to spend more money?

Consider OpenOffice (outside this site). OpenOffice is a free open source Office Suite. It includes a Word processor (like Word), a presentation program (like Power Point), a math function creator, a vector drawing program, a spreadsheet (like Excel), and a database (like Access). There is a great new support website for OpenOffice.org. This is for non-technical users needing help with OpenOffice (outside this site)!

(outside this site)

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Last modified: Mon March 01 2010 06:13:01 PM
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