How to Buy a Windows Vista Compatible Laptop Now

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Microsoft Windows Vista, the latest operating system from Microsoft, is due to hit stores in January of 2007.

Many elements of Vista have greatly improved upon the familiar features of Windows XP. An improved start menu will allow for fast searching of your entire computer, while improved entertainment features ensure a media rich computer experience. In addition to improved functionality, enhanced 3-D graphics enrich the overall user experience. In order to take advantage of all the great features in Vista, your computer must meet a minimum set of computing requirements. So the real question is this: what do I need in the laptop I buy NOW so I'm ready for Vista TOMORROW?

Windows Vista Capable Most laptops purchased today will carry a badge stating its ability to run the core functions of Windows Vista.

A Windows Vista Capable laptop requires:

• A processor running at least 800 mHz
• 512 MB system memory (RAM)
• A video card / graphics processor that is DirectX 9 compatible

A Windows Vista Premium Ready laptop requires:

• 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory (RAM)
• 128MB of graphics memory
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with at least 15 GB of free space
• A DVD-ROM Drive
• Audio output capability
• Internet access capability

Any new desktop or laptop for sale today has the capability to handle the basic core functions of Vista. Running all of the premium features included with Vista takes quite a bit more horsepower. In order to run Aero, the next level graphics environment for Vista, you would need 128 MB for just one 1280 x 1024 LCD. Most video cards offered today have 256 MB of memory. We strongly recommend you get at least that amount.

What's the Difference?

For most users, getting a Windows Vista Capable laptop is enough. What you will miss out on is much of the new "eye candy" the OS has to offer - specifically, Windows Vista Aero. Aero offers shiny, translucent buttons, glows around highlighted items and the ability to see through windows.

	Vista Capable	Vista Premium Ready
Processor	800 MHz	1 GHz
Memory	512 MB RAM	1GB RAM
GPU	DirectX 9 capable	DirectX 9 capable GPU with Hardware Pixel Shader v2.0 and WDDM Driver support
GPU Memory	32 MB RAM	128 MB RAM up to 1280x1024 (256 MB+ for greater resolutions)
HDD	20GB	40GB
HDD free space	15GB	15GB
Other drives	CD-ROM	DVD-ROM
Screenshots	(click to view full size)	(click to view full size)

Which Windows Vista Should I Consider When I Buy My Laptop?

Windows Vista is the first operating system that adapts to take advantage of the capabilities of the hardware on which it is installed. This is especially important when buying a laptop, since certain features, such as your graphics processor, are integrated directly into your laptop's chipset. When features are integrated, you usually can NOT upgrade them, so it's important to make the right decision the first time. As long as you meet the minimum system requirements you will be able to take advantage of the core Vista features. However, a Vista Premium Ready machine will allow you take advantage of a smoother graphical interface as well as the Windows Aero experience. There are quite a few reasonably priced laptops that would qualify as Vista Premium, and the increased functionality is well worth the extra money. If you need a laptop that just "gets the job done" without any frills, having a Windows Vista Capable configuration is all you will need. However, if you wish to experience the full visual effects and beauty of Windows Vista, we highly recommend buying a laptop that is Windows Vista Premium Ready.

Also keep in mind that a laptop that is Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready means that the PC is ready for an upgrade from XP and that purchase of the Vista OS is still required.