DC goes multi-platform

[Uatu]

In my experience, 64-bit Windows tends to not work for a lot of applications, but does work for some. There is also a lack of drivers for a lot of hardware (not enough demand?). I haven't tried many games on 64-bit, but chances are, there are lots of problems, so... 32-bit seems safer for now (until Windows 7 becomes standard).

[manikus]

I don't htink Windows 7 will make that big of an impact on 32 vs 64 bit. There are 64 bit versions of XP and Vista. It is more of a hardware issue, I think. when 64 bit processor is a bit more competitive price-wise, then it will get the software and driver support.

Personally, I've thought about getting a 64-bit processor next, but I would be using Linux, which offers great support for it.

[Uatu]

Hmm? I thought nearly all processors on sale were 64-bit now... Dell (I was thinking of buying a Dell) offers the choice of 32 bit or 64 bit Windows for most models (no price change), it seems. I think Windows 7 will only be 64-bit, but I don't remember...

[manikus]

Windows 7 will have the same options that Vista has - 4 versions, only one of which is 64-bit.

In the stores here, it is very hard to even find a 64-bit processor. My sister-in-law is thinking about getting a new computer so we've been looking at various places and 32-bit is all we're seeing (she's not looking for a 64-bit system, but I am starting to look thinking I'll need a new system in the next year or two).

I just spent a bit of time at the Dell site, and they do have all of their "Desktop Deals" pushing 64-bit versions of Windows Vista. But, only one of the processors was 64-bit. "Huh?", you ask. A duo 32-bit core can run either a 32 bit operating system or a 640bit operating system. So, I started at the base (not the deals) and for the Insprion series, it's about $50 to add a duo-core, which the graphic shows a big 64, but it's really just 2 32 bit processors. I couldn't even find an option to add a real 64-bit processor, and I don't think they have one. What it really comes down to is the software choice then, if you have at least a duo core. It's $30 more on Dell.com to upgrade from a 32 bit version of Vista to a 64 bit version of Vista ($150 if you want Vista Premium).

The term I was looking for earlier, when a 64-bit system runs 32-bit software, is "thunking".

[Uatu]

Hmm - really? What kind of processors do they sell around you? Not even Pentium 4 or Celeron? Hmmm - I guess the prices are different from US Dell and Japan Dell (but I assure you, Japan Dell cannot be cheaper in total than US Dell)...

"Thunking" - ha ha, sounds nice, is that a commonly used term?