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Posted By: raymb1 Win 7 - 11/19/09 02:29 PM
I'm shopping for a Win 7 laptop. Is the 64 bit OK? I'll be getting one with 4GB RAM and at least 250 GB hard drive. Would like suggestions on different brands. I've been using Dell for many years with no problems except those I caused myself. Later, Ray
Posted By: Jazzman Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 04:32 PM
Hi Ray,

At the moment the 64 bit does not have a complete range of drivers etc and although I would love to have it I have stayed with 32 bit for the time being - I feel that it is essential you get the best spec in HD and Ram

I have a new Acer Aspire 32 bit - I am using Windows 7 Home Premium and it is working like a dream with BIAB etc and so much better and faster than XP or Vista.

This is how Windows should have been to follow XP - sheer enjoyment to use - what a difference from the bloated and cumbersome Vista which only brought a more solid operating invironment

The only area you have to look at is if you have older programs/devices that you wish to use on your new machine - either get W7 driver updates or where not available yet run them in XP SP3 compatibility mode

I do not think that there is much difference between the leading brands and previously I had an HP for many years without problems
jazzman
Posted By: Matt Finley Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 05:06 PM
I'm also staying with 32-bit for awhile, because of the driver issue. In another year, things may be different. In 32-bit, you will be able to use only a little more than 3 GB of your 4 GB RAM; the system reserves some of it. This is not a problem in a 64-bit OS, however.

Windows 7 has run perfectly for me since May. I had no trouble at all with any devices that had Vista drivers. I have never had to use XP compatibility mode (which I think is only available on the Professional or Ultimate versions).

There is one trick involving the legacy firewire driver, rather than Windows 7 default. If you have firewire devices, I can elaborate.
Posted By: Mac Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 06:09 PM
If you intend to use the machine for music recording work, do your web study and research carefully about whatever Sound Device you intend to use. Make sure that there are drivers for Win7 for that device, make sure that the drivers are stated as being written for the 32 or 64 bit. I would go with the 32 bit right now also, as there seems to be more device -- and program -- compatability with it at the moment. -- Especially if you want to use freebies like plugins, etc. as they are mostly all 32 bit anyway. For example, the VSC MIDI synth that ships with BIAB works on 32 bit but does not work on 64 bit. There are MANY other examples out there. Most of those freebie VST and VSTi plugins are 32 bit. Sure, there are some "wrappers" to be found that purport to allow use of them on the 64 bit system, but why have that extra layer of complication?

--Mac
Posted By: raymb1 Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 06:37 PM
Thanks for the advice. Currently looking at an ASUS notebook-4GB RAM-320GB hard drive and 32 bit. Read that the reliabililty factor for ASUS was better than other PCs and Mac. Later, Ray
Posted By: FirstBassman Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:13 PM

Well, I’m going to admit to some stupidity here.
I really wasn’t aware that there was a 64-bit Windows 7 Premium Home Version. (I guess that’s what the “Premium” means. )
I just knew it was time for me to get a new PC and I just ordered whichever Dell fit my intended budget and specs.

The 64-bit version has two different Program Files folders. So, I will assume there is some kind of Virtual Machine type stuff going on there or some “compatibility” mode for those things that might not work under 64-bit.

Whatever it is, FWIW I have had (knock on wood) no problems whatsoever with any of my devices or drivers with the 64-bit version.
Posted By: alfstone Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:14 PM
Hi everybody

a "side"question about W7: few days ago I've bought an ACER laptop, still with Vista as OS, but with the possibility to receive for free a copy of W7 setup disk. Of course I've requested this upgrade to W7, but I don't know when it will arrive.

The question: can I setup BIAB and RB now, and they will be "seen" after I will upgrade to W7, OR will I have to install BIAB and RB again after the upgrade? In other words, is it better to install BIAB and RB only after the upgrade to W7?

Thanks in advance

Ciao
Alfredo
Posted By: FirstBassman Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:21 PM

Alfredo,

I know this doesn't answer your question, but I'd just like to offer my two cents on something -

I am a firm believer in never doing in-place operating system upgrades.
That was the thing to do long ago but I feel there are too many chances for things to get messed up.

If buying equipment now, IMHO, it should already come with Windows 7 installed.

~ Mark
Posted By: Jazzman Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:40 PM
Hi Alfredo,

It is still safe to do an "in place" upgrade providing it is a like for like version - i.e Vista Home Premium 32 bit to Windows 7 Home Premium 32 bit.

Windows 7 puts everything except for the OS to one side and then re-loads them at the end

I upgraded as above with BIAB and RB previously installed and it worked perfectly without any re-install - just make sure that you do a Disk Clean and Defrag before starting the process

jazzman
Posted By: Jazzman Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:49 PM
Hi Matt,

Windows 7 will run compatibility mode side by side in the two versions you mention in your post - but the Home Premium version still allows you to run old items in compatibity mode in XP and Vista

jazzman
Posted By: raymb1 Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 10:59 PM
I should have mentioned that I use BIAB for backing tracks only. Mostly Real Bass and Real Drums. So would 64 bit or 32 bit make a difference? Later, Ray
Posted By: Matt Finley Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 11:16 PM
Quote:

So would 64 bit or 32 bit make a difference? Later, Ray




No.

Assuming all things are working, and driver quality is equivalent, the choice of OS should not affect the audio quality.
Posted By: Mac Re: Win 7 - 11/19/09 11:45 PM
"Mostly" RealTracks and RealDrums

Well, if you are intending to use the VSC, for MIDI instruments or for Rendering, you should go for 32 bit.



--Mac
Posted By: raymb1 Re: Win 7 - 11/21/09 07:17 PM
Just read this on the ASUS website: <More compatible - Excited about using Windows® 7 64-bit, but concerned about compatibility issues for all the software you own? Fear not, because Windows® 7 64-bit features the WOW64 sub-system which allows you to run 32-bit applications on Windows® 7 64-bit. What's more, you can even run software previously compatible with Windows® XP** as well, which means nothing goes to waste!>

Would I have anything to worry about BIAB on one of these notebooks? I'm planning on using only Real Drums and Real Bass on all of my tracks. Later, Ray
Posted By: Gary Curran Re: Win 7 - 11/21/09 07:55 PM
I bought a HP laptop earlier this year, dual core AMD, Vista 32 bit Home Premium. I yanked the Vista off it and put 64 bit Windows 7 RC on it (will eventually get the full version, once it's back in the MS Employee Store supply) and I've had no issues with it.

As to the VCS DXi, it didn't work on Vista 64 bit either, so that, in my opinion, is a moot point. But, then again, I don't run some VSTi plug ins. However, Cakewalk plug ins, Coyote Forte DXi plug in, and a lot of others I have no issue running them on a 64 bit system.

So, Ray, Asus is good, Acer is great (I have a netbook of theirs, I love it), I like my HP and I recommend multi-core, 64 bit CPUs and OS's.

Gary
Posted By: alfstone Re: Win 7 - 11/23/09 08:29 PM
Hi everybody

Mark and Jazzman, thanks for your answers. One more "side" question about this topic, probably slightly OT: having an external sound card, and waiting for the W7 setup CD arriving, if I setup the audio card (Edirol UA25EX) right now (with Vista as OS) then, after installing W7, should I setup again the Edirol with its W7 drivers, or will it be recognised "as it is" in W7 too?

Ciao e grazie!
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