Update: Microsoft has launched Express Vista Upgrade voucher scheme in an attempt to minimize the impacts of Vista delay. Major PC vendors including Dell, HP and Lenovo are offering various deals related to the scheme. However, if you do not want the hassle of dealing with OS upgrade yourself, stay tune and wait.
A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. To get the best Vista experience you will need a Windows Vista Premium Ready PC. Such a PC includes at least:
- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
- 1 GB of system memory.
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
- DVD-ROM Drive.
- Audio output capability.
- Internet access capability.
However, Dell CEO Kevin Rollins suggested otherwise on Thursday, 26 Oct at a speech at Shanghai’s Jiaotong University. “I think they tell you maybe 1 gig of memory is OK. No, two gigs of memory would be great.”
This echoes with my own experience with Vista RC2. With only 1G of RAM, there are many disk activities indicating heavy disk swap, a symptom of lack of memory in the system.
It is true that Microsoft may be able to squeeze the last drop of performance improvements between now and the official launch date. However, if you are a cautious PC user, you would not want to bet on that.
If you happen to be using a PC or laptop that has 1G or less memory, you may want to pay extra to get an upgrade later. Memory demand is going to be high when Vista is out which tends to drive the price down.
If you plan to buy a PC or laptop for Windows Vista, there is no harm to wait. This is especially valid for laptop users. Most system sold recently only offers up to 1GB RAM. If you opt for 2GB RAM, you will need to pay up to $150 extra.
