Customer Reviews:
 window vista ultimate 64 November 2, 2008
smooth with my amd 5400 black edition. alot better than xp64. I recommended but make sure that your system is powerful enough to run it.
 Best for higher end systems September 20, 2008
If you're going with a higher end computer, this is undoubtedly the OS of choice. Surprisingly, in such systems (e.g., 8 GB RAM with good video card) this boots and runs faster than XP-Pro (even in super-slick "Aero" mode, delegated to video by Vista). For higher end computers the cost difference is insignificant, whereas performance difference is definitely not (coming from a die-hard XP-Pro fan). 64-bit applications are not yet in abundance but they will be in time...another key factor is RAM, where 32-bit OS (including Vista) can only access 3.2 GB. With the low price of even high-end RAM, the fact that Vista occupies more is of little significance. One nit is that that Vista does have much more "are you sure?" widgets attached, but with any smart mouse (or entering "return") extra "yes's" are accomplished in a flash. Another nit concerns drivers, where MS has done A LOT of improvement via SP1 but there's still some problems, especially for latest components (e.g., using WD Velociraptors or other Raptors in RAID - even top motherboards with RAID don't work for this at present and a RAID card is required...say, the Areca ARC-1200 that gives top performance in any standard PCIe x1 through x16 slot). Finally, note this version is OEM, for new systems or as a replacement OS, NOT a simpler upgrade from an existing OS...at a nice price.
Powerful, fast, and much, MUCH better than its reputation August 22, 2008
16 out of 17 found this review helpful
First off, this is an OEM software. That means it is intended to be installed on a new computer build NOT upgrade an existing copy of Windows. It is possible to install it on an existing computer by formatting an existing or new hard drive, but that would violate the license for this particular incarnation of Vista. If you want to install it on an existing computer, buy a full retail copy, or an upgrade copy.
I love Vista 64-bit. It is fast, easy to use, and the best Windows to date. Anyone who is still ripping Vista at this point doesn't own Vista, or is an inexperienced computer user, or a Mac fan that just wants to pour oil on a fire. Vista, the much belated and maligned 6th incarnation of the Windows operating system had real problems a year ago. Almost all of those problems have been fixed. Some of what users describe as problems are in fact less a problem with Vista than they are with computer buyer's perceptions and expectations.
So why is Vista beat up all the time? The most frequent complaint I hear is that it is a 'memory hog.' Honestly, this is a perception, not a reality. Vista does require more ran than XP, as XP required more than the previous windows, etc., etc. The reality is that RAM has gotten remarkably cheap, and using RAM liberally is a GOOD THING. The bottle neck in computing has been 4GB of ram on all 32-bit systems, but even with 4GB (3-3.5GB accessible to the system) almost no one will use all of the ram. With the 64-bit version, it is possible to run 8Gb of ram on a decent motherboard, and it is also possible to buy 8gb of RAM for $150! Why, in these days of super inexpensive RAM, don't those who feel Vista is too slow, just buy more? Honestly?
Another complaint is that drivers don't work or are not available for a particular software or hardware. There was a lot of truth to that a year ago. Now, after service pack 1, and over months of running Vista 64-bit exclusively, I can say that I have zero, yes zero, driver issues. Everything runs like a champ. I should note that I have a high end gaming computer, and have a lot of software installed. To not have a single driver issue is amazing, and something I could not say about XP one year into it's release.
If you know about computers, and are ready to make the switch to Vista, there has never been a better time. Most of the kinks are worked out, and while I can't promise you won't have any issues with drivers, it's getting less likely by the day. Programmers are catching on that Vista is not just going to disappear and everyone go back to XP, and that waiting for the next Windows will not put any money in their wallets, and have started to produce software written for Vista. Hardware manufacturers are also getting a clue and releasing solid Vista and Vista 64-bit drivers for their devices.
Frankly, this is the most powerful windows yet. 64-bit computing is hitting it's stride, and in another year or so, we'll all be looking back at 32-bit with the same derision as when the transition was made from 16 to 32 bit computers. 32 bit's days are numbered. It's time to move on.
 Ticked Off In California July 9, 2008
5 out of 42 found this review helpful
This is a typical upgrade ripoff. I pay for my HP which comes with Vista Premium and enough slots for 8 gigs of RAM, buuuuuuuuuuuuutttttttttt with the 32-bit OS I can only see/use 6 gigs of the RAM and I think Vista has other problems but that is heresay. I know that new OSes are not perfect and aren't going to be compatible with everything but stop blaming it on the fact that Vista is a memory hog you just didn't make a very good match with Vista and the current level of hardware. The fact that you now want me to pay for an OEM upgrade to 64-bit and theoretically won't be able to use this upgrade on any future computer I buy is ridiculous and just adds insult to injury.
It is rare that I have wanted to buy an operating system. Now I am not sure whether to get the XP operating system before it becomes obsolete, return my computer and get an Apple, or just get something else to read my email and surf the web like an Ipod or other PDA. I'm over it really every time I get nickled and dimed, I try to stay green, but its like the computer industry wants me to be wasteful and miserable with the crap they sell us. I paid good money for this computer. What is your problem Microsoft and HP? I don't think I should even have to ask for a refund. I think you should just recall all your PC's and stop this nonsensical ripoff. You are not the only ones that do this but if you think I am going to stroll into Best Buy next time and just buy your top of the line computer it isn't going to happen. I would rather pay a little more and get an apple. Or find a company that I can trust. I don't trust you any more. There is an adage that comes to mind.
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