How '64 bit proof' is the Dell Inspiron 6400?

[The Streets]

Fair enough.

[andy_tok]

Just wondering, will 64 bit vista give a much better performance than the 32bit version? Especially when the program itself is 32 bit.

[The Streets]

An interesting question. I too would like an answer to that.

By the way, how can tell which programs are/aren't 32 or 64 bit???

[Jalf]

Usually, no, performance will be almost exactly the same.
If the program itself is 32-bit, it *will* be almost exactly the same.
(Technically, there will be a tiny performance loss because a small amount of emulation has to take place to allow the OS to talk to the app. But on the other hand, OS calls may be slightly more efficient, which also means you'll regain a bit of performance. Overall, performance should be almost identical)

if the program itself is 64-bit? Hard to say, but I'd expect a small performance boost. (Say, 5-10%). Of course that varies depending on the application, though.

By the way, how can tell which programs are/aren't 32 or 64 bit???

Easiest way may be to simply look at what you're installing. If you download the app, it'll probably have a separate link to a 64-bit download. And the installer may say so as well.

But usually, it doesn't really matter.

[andy_tok]

So it'll be wiser to upgrade to the 32-bit vista instead of the 64 bit version at this moment?

[Jalf]

Well, none of what I said indicated that 32-bit would be *better*. Just that usually, 64-bit won't be faster. So that's no reason to stick with 32-bit.

However, as others have mentioned before, not every hardware manufacturer has drivers available for 64-bit OS'es yet, so if you need to use any of that, yes, it might be better to stick with 32-bit. (As with Windows X64, this mostly applies to "external" hardware such as scanners, cameras or printers. For all the "internal" hardware, you can be pretty sure to find drivers)

[The Streets]

The only external hardware I can see myself using is an iPod. Maybe a USB mouse. Not much more than that though.

[conejeitor]

Well, but I wonder if it would actually run the nice features of Vista, like Aero. Inpiron 6400 comes with an Ati x1300 or x1400. Will those cards make it for Aero?

[Dreamer]

Well, but I wonder if it would actually run the nice features of Vista, like Aero. Inpiron 6400 comes with an Ati x1300 or x1400. Will those cards make it for Aero?

What exactly are you asking?

Even an integrated card like the GMA 950 runs Aero with no problems.

[Iceman0124]

The main problems will come down the line with the 6400 and a 64 bit OS, as the platform matures, and more memory capacity is required, the 2gb max of the 6400, being only half of the max limit of the 32 bit, will be a problem. 64 bit basic can use 8, home premium can use 16, and the rest up to 128.