two part querry

[Merlin]

My wife is getting a Laptop for her job with my Aunt so she will be using Microsoft Office 2003 for small business version.

#1 Will the 2003 version work with Vista or does she have to find one that has XP?

#2 Can you get a dell with Vista on it and remove that OS to replace it with XP?

#3 Is there a real differnce in the bugs on Vista basic versus Vista Premium , its a $30 upgrade to get Premium over basic?

[DaIceMan]

You can still, as of a couple weeks ago anyway, order a Dell configured with XP. I don't think the option is listed on the online configurator, but a client of mine called up Dell and ordered their lappy with XP on it.

[vbironchef]

I don't know many people that are happy with vista. If you can get xp pro, then go for it. If not then, go for vista that is for your needs.

I would wait for the 45nm procs from intel to come out before you buy anything. They will run cooler and a bunch of other stuff that will be an improvement over the 65nm.

[bubba]

Dell does still offer XP on certain models. As for buying one that has Vista and putting XP on yourself, can be done but drivers may not be available for the model you get if it was never intended to have XP on it. The Vostro and Latitude models still have the ability to be configured with XP.

As for running Office 2003 on vista, yes it can be run on Vista.

[KnightRid]

Only bad thing about Vista is running OLD hardware and software - newer stuff I havent had a problem with.

Office 2003 - why not just use Openoffice

Basic Vista just has a LOT less features...here is the chart

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/produc ... hoose.mspx

Hoe that helps for Vista

Mike

Yes you can remove Vista from the dell computer if you already have a copy of XP. Now the backup partition on the laptop will still have Vista on it to restore to factory defaults and tech support might be a bit wierd since they think you would have Vista on it I would say to try Vista for a bit and see what you think. I just dont get the fuss about the 32-bit version, its the 64bit version that I had problems with.

[Zelig]

1. Works fine.

2. It's possible, but Vista is really a better operating system than XP, if you've got at least 2GB of ram, you're better off keeping Vista.

3. No, similar to how XP Home and XP Pro have the same bugs. The $30 might be worth it, might not, check the link KnightRid posted to see if you need any of the features that Home Premium has.

[stereo55]

My brother bought a couple of Dell lappys in Dec with Vista Premium on them (one for buisness) and both have had no problems what-so-ever (and Iam the one that has to do all the tech/fixing if anything does go wrong ; and Ive had to do nothing so far) . I would suggest adding more memory for Vista just to make things smooth and problem free ; but buy your own mem not through Dell (as they overcharge for memory) .

I'd also go for the Vista Premium vs Basic as its just a better os with more complete features . I read an article long ago saying to NEVER purchase Vista Basic as its too much of a cut-downed os that actually causes more problems then its worth .

Youll also be fine using Microsoft Office 2003 in Vista . I still use Office 2000 , without a single problem even in Vista x64 .

[Merlin]

Thanks to all!! The wife just clicked buy now and she did get the Premium Vista with 2GIG of Ram ( Ill upgrade that later to 4).