Hi, so for school i need a "tablet pc", i was looking at a few things but today i finally got the spec sheet
the part that i'm not sure about is this: "Operating System: Windows XP or Windows 7 and a 32-bit system, NOT a 64-bit system. If you purchase a 64-bit system it is YOUR responsibility to install and be comfortable operating Windows Virtual PC –XP Mode" (clairification: this is from the spec sheet the school gave me)
most of the things i've been looking at are running win 8 (32 bit), but the way it's worded i'm not sure if that will work, i also don't see why an xp-32bit program wouldn't run on a 64-bit processor
it's possible that the person who wrote this is just an idiot, but i can't be sure, so any input would be appreciated
It may be something with XP mode of Windows 7. I wouldn't worry about it unless you are a business owner who has invested heavily in a custom program that requires Windows XP. 64bit processors can run 32bit programs, but if it does have a 64 bit processor, I don't see why it can't run a 64bit OS. The only reason why that would be there is if the tablet does NOT have a 64bit processor. If the tablet does have a 64 processor (Most all modern CPU's are 64bit, except certain Intel Atoms), then the guy who wrote the documentation could indeed be an idiot, because the wording doesn't make too much sense to me either.
Perhaps if you have me a link to said tablet, I can give a more definitive answer.
(see clairification in top post) but here is what i will most likely buy (lenovo thinkpad tablet 2) http://shop.lenovo.com/SEUILibrary/controller/e/web/LenovoPortal/en_US/catalog.workflow:item.detail?GroupID=37&Code=TABLET2_64G_PEN_SAP&category_id=1DB5DB42BB243AD4B9D55F987471F010
or if i find out that there is a problem with using win 8 there's this thing http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834680705
Well, the said tablet is has an Atom, the specific model of which is a 32bit processor, and NOT 64bit. And based on reviews, I'd avoid just about all refurbs on Newegg because they are apparently just plain used, some used harder than others. Though if you want to gamble, it could be a solid deal.
And now that I've re-read, you have to jump through some hoops via virtual machine to get a 64bit OS working on that tablet, which I'm surprise it's even possible. Just don't install a 64bit operating system on it. It already comes pre-installed with a 32bit version of Windows.
i dont plan on installing an os (maybe ubuntu but thats another story, dosn't have to do with school stuff)
and the thing on newegg is a piece of crap i'd use for class and nothing else (that one just becuase it's the only older thing with a digitizer that doesn't cost a grand+)
the thing seems to be that the programs i have to use for class were made for xp 32-bit, and i know that some programs will only run on xp (a few programs i know of from expeirience are adobe premeir 2 and myst) and refuse to run on any other os even in compatability mode, i've heard that win8 has even worse backwards compatability than win7 (people complaining some games refuse to work, even in compatability)
i know of xp mode (and how to move to win8), that SHOULD make any program work, however i need win7 pro for that, something i dont have (actually i'm checking right now if microsoft will let me get it if i lie about my os)
Well, one guy on newegg claimed his only held a 15 minute charge, which I don't think would be ideal for class.
If you need Windows XP, then the lifebook would be your best bet since it actually has Windows XP drivers available, but getting Windows XP is a different story; it has Windows 7 pre-installed. The Thinkpad Tablet does NOT have Windows XP drivers, and I highly doubt the Win8 ones Leneovo supplies will work.
hmm, it would seem that the stuff on newegg is crap and still might not work
and the lenovo may not work, but is a good computer
i think my best bet might be to get the lenovo, and if it doesn't work with the programs/ i can't get it to work with the programs i might just use teamviewer to connect to an old xp desktop
It's only the "Refurb" crap, and from what I can gather, it's the 3rd party refurber that's crap.
That, or you can try running XP in a virtual machine, though I'm not sure how well that will work. The only thing I got from Newegg that wasn't new was an Open-Box mobo, which didn't include the backplate, and missing other accessories.
i checked intel's site and the atoms are not capable of virtualization, so virtual machine isn't an option
I overlooked that... even the AMD Z-60 is capable of virtualization. -_-
Well, I'm not sure what else to suggest. You could either remote access a XP machine, or try a refurb.