I've done a lot of research in regard to a new computer.
I've decided on a notebook/laptop after years of having a desktop. The somewhat portable advantages fit my current life situation.
I'm going with a 17" screen, 2gigs of memory, 100gigs hard drive.
What I need to know is which operating system to choose?
I can still get XP?
My concern is being able to play the pre-Matrix games and am concerned that even though Vista may support the new Matrix version, I will have trouble playing games versus opponents that do not have the new Matrix version?
Your advise is sought and appreciated.
Pat
I'd avoid Vista like the plague, if you have any choice in the matter. Just too many issues, especially compatibility ones, still to be worked out.
There is supposed to be a level of compatibility between Matrix CS and older Talonsoft CS, but the extent of that remains to be seen.....you might well find youself unable to cross play pbem between the two types.
Almost ALL new PCs are coming with VISTA, If you find anyone still selling XP installed you'll be lucky. The marketing ploy of MS appears to be you sell VISTA or you sell PCs without an OS.
If you have an old XP CD (make sure you have the license code) you can use it to Install the OS on your new PC, you will just have to remove it from your other PC and possibly call MS up to activate it again.
There is trick to getting the NEW PC to come without any OS on it other wise you'll be fighting the install process as Vista doesn't like to be bumped off for XP backgrades.
Depends on where you buy it from, If you're looking at Dell, do a voice order and make sure you get a discount for NO OS installed on the PC
(they like to charge the same price, with or without)
I fought Vista for 2 weeks and Dell sent me XP for free after I asked for return labels to ship them back the PC.
If you avoid the major brands, like Dell, Gateway, etc., you will have more flexibility on which operating system they install. For example, Alienware is still selling brand-new machines with XP installed (stay away from the XP Media Center edition, though, I have heard bad things about it). Some of those specialty shops will cost a little more, but it may be worth the hassle.
Also, I would consider a 100 GB hard drive about the minimum I would accept nowadays. You might be able to bump that up a 160 GB for not too much extra cost.
Obviously a consensus of opinion in regard to my question.
I noticed on both the Dell and Gateway sites that there was an almost hidden box that one could check if they wanted XP.
I believe that is my best choice. If I purchase a system that can run Vista, I can always upgrade at a later date.
I'm afraid to order a computer with no operating system because of tech assistance issues.
I bought this computer from Gateway with ME and then later purchased XP from Gateway and upgraded. When I called them for some tech support, they wouldn't help me because I had purchased the computer with ME??? I deleted XP, reloaded ME and they provided me with assistance?????????????????????????
Pat
You can still get XP on some of Dell's laptops if you go to the Small Business section. I just bought a Inspiron 6400 15.4" widescreen with XP last month. The 6400 seems to be the same conputer as their E1505 available in the home& home office section. I found that by buying a computer from the small business area that it was cheaper and I got more things standard than I would have gotten from the Home area. Of course there were some things that were not available, like an upgraded sound card but the computer works great and I am very happy with it.
If you call Dell you might get a better selection than what they have online.
Nick
Hey Mike, I think Dell Owns Alienware LOL
when I checked them while dealing with my Dell issue, the only system coming with XP was their top line 3500$ model. The others were all Vista OS.
Huib, If Dell is still shipping XP, that's a major policy change from 2 months ago when I bought my new Dell.
I even had a top exec email me stating XP was no longer available, to which I replied then why is your company still selling it in the software section of your online sales as part # A038860 for 199$?
Dell wouldn't bend for nothing until I tried to send the PC back, asking for 12 shipping labels, as it was coming back, 1 piece to every customer service person I talked to and case # I had...
To get me to keep the PC they sent me next day Air, a boxed XP home edition CD, helped me install it, provide full support for my warranty period on my XPS system for the XP OS AND they gave me $100 coupon for my grief.
while I had to deal with 15 people and 2 weeks of Vista.. Dell came thru shining :)