32 bit vs 64 bit laptops

both know how to use google and is smarter than the average NSer

-k

bumpity bump bump

i believe the difference is in the operating system. from what i know, 64bit can run more RAM. 32bit is limited to 3gb of RAM, so if you need or want more than 3gb you're gonna need 64bit.
the problem with 64bit is not all programs will run on a 64bit operating system. i am currently running 64bit vista for 2+ years now and have had no problems so far

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And the only program I've had problems with in 64-bit is a super old DOS tetris that someone gave me, so it still runs pretty much any program.

64-bit is more futureproof

i can only remember two programs that have crashed frequently on me. isis draw (chemistry program) and some video converting program. tons of people complain about 64bit but i have found no real problems yet

I'm running Vista x64 on my laptop. I'd highly recommend it, for applications that are coded for 64bits you'll notice a solid increase in speed.

If you're going to go x64 make sure you:

Have at least 4gb of ram

x64 uses more ram, but allows you to use more than 3.5gb


Have checked to make sure all of the applications you need to use work.

I haven't run into any problems this way, but my dad who uses a lot of PCB and CAD programs found that some apps he used didn't support x64 and he had to switch back to x86.


Overall, if you have 4gb ram+ and all the apps you need work on x64 then I would definitely recommend it. x64 is the future so you'll see more and more optimized programs so you'll see definite performance gains in x64.

the only problem i've run into using vista x64 is the lack of drivers...
not cool, but definitely will be fixed in future updates i'm sure

my vote would be to run 32 if you're not sure.. they're easier to maintain (at least in vista's case here, xp runs like a champ 64 bit version)

Thanks for the help guys, k+ for everyone helpful

I think im set on a 64 bit laptop, do you guys know if handbreak or freakout extreme work on 64bit? all my other programs check out

handbreak works fine, im 99percent sure freakout works too.