Laptop for new practice - which Vista?

Laptop for new practice - which Vista?

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I am in the process of setting up a new practice and want to buy a laptop. The problem is I dont know which version of Vista I should choose or the differences ie Windows Vista Home, Vista Home Basic, Vista Business??

Any suggestions gratefully received!
Nicola

Replies (10)

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By David2e
22nd Apr 2008 13:56

Office software too
We've also been looking into MS Office 2007... but have decided to hold off installing this one too.

There are just a few uncertainties with some of the newer Microsoft software and unless you have a spare machine to test it on, or run alongside v2003 it would be worth doing a little search on the web (plenty of issues can be found).

Just another area to enter with caution.

David Toohey
The Accountants Circle

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By User deleted
22nd Apr 2008 13:26

No problems with Vista......yet!
or perhaps I am just not using it to its full capability

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By User deleted
22nd Apr 2008 13:17

Stick with XP
Im with everyone here so are a LOT of other people. My research (which is global) showed that the majority of people have got used to XP and don't see a good reason to learn or "deal with" another operating system.

I am giving away my research when I am done. If you want it the check out my earlier post "running an online accountancy or bookkeeping practice" (paste into Search Any answers) or just help me with my research by using this link.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wWzoNUXWy7eI5xrJKSXG6Q_3d_3d

Cheers

Nick

PS: there is no catch here.....there is nothing for sale and your answers are anonymous.

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By User deleted
22nd Apr 2008 10:01

Thanks all!
Many thanks all - I thinks its got to be XP!

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By shaunmcguinness
22nd Apr 2008 09:55

stick with XP for now!
I recently bought a new desktop and laptop. Both run on XP pro.
I know quite a number of IT people and none uses vista yet unless they have to for research purposes! Some software houses haven't managed to upgrade their software to run on vista a yet.
http://www.tax-sorted.biz

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By Richard Willis
22nd Apr 2008 09:38

Stick with XP!
Hi Nicola

The advise that we are still being given by our IT consultants is that it is best to stick with XP Pro if you either have or may need a domain server setup. Frankly, for a business environment, I would follow that advise regardless for reasons already mentioned.

Microsoft obviously know that there are issues with Vista since if you buy Vista Business they offer a 'Free' downgrade to XP Pro. However this relies on an XP Pro genuine disc being available and the expertise to install it. Our It people do the job for £30 which is money well spent, given the time and effort involved.

The differences with the various versions of Vista (and XP) are mainly to do with compatability with networks. If you are buying for any sort of business stick with the top level, otherwise you run the risk of having to upgrade, at no little expense, as you expand the business.

One other bit of info: Our IT people charge to downgrade laptops to XP Pro as these come with the operating system already loaded. However if they build a desktop they have to install the O/S anyway so do not charge extra to make it XP. Also try PC World for Business who are often as cheap as anyone and offer a local contact in your nearest store; better than purely web-based sellers!

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By Rebecca Benneyworth
22nd Apr 2008 00:04

Also got one of each
But my son has had endless problems with Vista. You have got to pick up loads of fixes fo software which runs quite happily on XP but won't run on Vista - it even said "unlicenced software" to one program - when I had the brand new disc in my hand, with pukka licence number.

No way would I rely on it totally yet.
Acer do an "XP laptops" section on the web so you can choose one still specced up for XP, with XP on board.

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By User deleted
21st Apr 2008 21:43

I'd agree - go for XP
I have a laptop with Vista on it and haven't experienced any problems, however my desktop is due for renewal and currently has XP.

When I buy the new desktop I have been advised by IT people to go for XP as there are still issues with compatability of several programs with Vista.

At least then I'll still have one of each. Should you consider doing the same in order to have compatiability with all software? Just an idea.

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By User deleted
21st Apr 2008 15:31

Laptop and Vista
Don't even think about Vista. You can still get XP from Dell, or, if you will be using on a network, XP Pro

Nick

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By User deleted
21st Apr 2008 15:29

I'm not a Vista user, but ...
from what I've read in various places, it's better not to get Vista at all, but to stick with XP. Vista slows the machine down, while not adding anything very useful.

Reputable dealers can supply it, but you would need to insist. Computers are a competitive market - just say if you won't offer me XP, I'll take my business elsewhere.

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