64 bit vs 32 bit Window 7
 

Getting a new laptop with window 7 professional. Should I go with 32 bit window or 64 bit?

Do I "HAVE TO" use 64 bit window to utilize 4GB of ram?
What's the difference between the two? Is one faster or more stable then the other? It is difficult to get hardware driver for 64 bit window?

(Laptop is for a thinkpad T400 w/ 3470 graphic)

Dear everyone:

Just pretend 32 bit no longer exists. It will be easier that way. There is literally no reason to use it any more.

Thanks.

(yes, you "HAVE TO" use 64bit to get 4GB of ram)

x2

If you're running a business that still operates on 16-bit software from the 80s or you have some crucial equipment that lacks 64-bit support, get 32-bit.

If you're part of the general public or you're running a business with equipment/software from this century, get 64-bit.

The only other reason to use 32-bit is so that you can use older hardware with older drivers. Like special printing equipment I had to deal with the other day.

/endthread

EDIT: JMac beat me to it.

i find that drivers would work with 64bit now with windows 7. it either installs itself when u install windows 7 or download a vista driver

for older stuff u can run it in windows xp mode

my 64bit program files folder is still empty...lol

my 32bit win7 has bsod on me twice...usually i try to make ways for it to fail but its when you least expect it, it happens...

if you can get the x64...GET IT...

get 64-bit, 32 bits is only if you are need to run some old school programs...

ordered with 64 bit window
thanks all!

we're all kidding...you shoulda ordered 32bits :D

For most would-be Windows 7 users, a 64-bit version of Windows 7 is the right move. But if you don't have sufficient RAM (at least 4GB), or you rely on devices that don't have supporting 64-bit drivers, or you need to upgrade an existing 32-bit installation, 32-bit Windows 7 might be the better choice.

im kind of ignorant in this department

soo..... i noticed my decade old scanner has drivers for Windows 7 32bit!

will that driver work on 64bit windows? like is there a compatability mode?


also my printer is like 4 years old and it has no drivers for windows 7 but will Windows 7 XP Mode allow me to install this printer with the xp drivers?

either way the printer will work but its just really limited and doesnt use all the features that it came with im just hoping xpmode will allow it to use those features... :/

No, that driver won't work in 64-bit; you'll need a 64-bit driver.

Windows XP mode only allows you to utilize older SOFTWARE that doesn't support Windows Vista/7; hardware still requires Windows 7 compatibility.

i have a scanner that didn't work in windows 7 64bit so i installed its drivers in windows xp mode and works great

I think XP Mode should work exactly like an installation of XP.

cool guess ill give it a try thx guys, if not i guess its an excuse to get a new printer/scanner ^^

You only need 2GB according to MSOFT

i'm playing around with the virtual xp machine......seems like a waste to have 64bit win 7 and that on the same pc...

considering everyone was complaining how nothing works with 64bit in vista either
windows xp mode was a good move for microsoft since now people can installed older hardware like scanners and older software to run

^ really leaves no reason not to have 7.