I feel like a loser for installing Vista 32 bit

[xpipe]

as opposed to 64 bit. First, benchmarking reports I've seen give a slight edge to 64 bit in performance. And then there's the 4GB RAM thing. But more than that, it's my own experiences with 32 vs. 64 bit. I regularly use 3 Vista computers, two in 32 bit and one in 64 bit. On the 32 bit ones, I'll get an occasional error message of some kind from time to time, or some other oddity. On the 64 bit, I've never had any problems, not one; it's been perfect. So now I'm kind of upset and feel like I wasted all this time and effort installing an inferior version of the operating system, installing programs and yada yada yada. Not upset like when that guy slashed two of my tires a couple months ago, but still somewhat unsatisfied with the situation!

I know that 64 bit isn't officially supported on the iMac, but also that people are able to do it anyway. I didn't really understand the instructions about how to set it up, and I'm already skittish about screwing up something on this computer, so I went with 32 bit.

Do you think Apple will support it for the iMac any time soon? Why do you think they don't already if there's no technical reason for it? Why do they support it for some other models?



Thank you for reading my ridiculous, whiny thread. Maybe some of you nice people could talk me down off the ledge here

 

[Stridder44]

as opposed to 64 bit. First, benchmarking reports I've seen give a slight edge to 64 bit in performance. And then there's the 4GB RAM thing. But more than that, it's my own experiences with 32 vs. 64 bit. I regularly use 3 Vista computers, two in 32 bit and one in 64 bit. On the 32 bit ones, I'll get an occasional error message of some kind from time to time, or some other oddity. On the 64 bit, I've never had any problems, not one; it's been perfect. So now I'm kind of upset and feel like I wasted all this time and effort installing an inferior version of the operating system, installing programs and yada yada yada. Not upset like when that guy slashed two of my tires a couple months ago, but still somewhat unsatisfied with the situation!

I know that 64 bit isn't officially supported on the iMac, but also that people are able to do it anyway. I didn't really understand the instructions about how to set it up, and I'm already skittish about screwing up something on this computer, so I went with 32 bit.

Do you think Apple will support it for the iMac any time soon? Why do you think they don't already if there's no technical reason for it? Why do they support it for some other models?



Thank you for reading my ridiculous, whiny thread. Maybe some of you nice people could talk me down off the ledge here

I'm just happy you actually see the light. I've been using Vista 64 since SP1 was released for it and, while I was very skeptical at first (I had used Vista a couple months prior and didn't like it), Vista 64 was a completely different story. The difference really does feel like night and day for some reason. And yes, being able to use more than 4 GB of RAM is awesome.

And after doing a little reading, apparently the Retail version of Vista has both 32 & 64 bit versions, but the OEM version only has one (the OEM version is much cheaper than the retail version). So yeah, if you bought the OEM version, you're out of luck.

As far as Boot Camp supporting 64-bit on pre-2008 systems, I'd hope so. It's already overdue. My guess is that Snow Leopard will allow it, if nothing else.

 

[The Flashing Fi]

And after doing a little reading, apparently the Retail version of Vista has both 32 & 64 bit versions, but the OEM version only has one (the OEM version is much cheaper than the retail version). So yeah, if you bought the OEM version, you're out of luck.

Only Vista Ultimate Retail comes with 32 and 64-bit DVDs. However, regardless of whether it's OEM or Retail and the version (basic, premium, business, enterprise, ultimate), you can use either 32 or 64-bit versions of the version you have with the key you have. It's just a matter of getting the DVD.

 

[xpipe]

I've got the Ultimate retail version, so I have both discs. I'm just waiting for the official go-ahead from Apple to do 64 bit (I'm a chicken).

I have to confess, I haven't actually had any problems with the 32 bit version on my iMac. I guess I just like to make things difficult for myself.

Still...as soon as my man Steve J. gives the word, I'm wiping 32 and installing as 64 bit

 

[nick9191]

Err the current iMac fully supports 64 bit Vista. The drivers are included on the Leopard CD.

And all versions of Vista, OEM or Retail are available in 32 bit and 64 bit.

 

[Stridder44]

I've got the Ultimate retail version, so I have both discs. I'm just waiting for the official go-ahead from Apple to do 64 bit (I'm a chicken).

I have to confess, I haven't actually had any problems with the 32 bit version on my iMac. I guess I just like to make things difficult for myself.

Still...as soon as my man Steve J. gives the word, I'm wiping 32 and installing as 64 bit

Just give it a try. Worst case scenario, you just have to re-install Vista 32.

 

[Winter Charm]

I'm just happy you actually see the light. I've been using Vista 64 since SP1 was released for it and, while I was very skeptical at first (I had used Vista a couple months prior and didn't like it), Vista 64 was a completely different story. The difference really does feel like night and day for some reason. And yes, being able to use more than 4 GB of RAM is awesome.

And after doing a little reading, apparently the Retail version of Vista has both 32 & 64 bit versions, but the OEM version only has one (the OEM version is much cheaper than the retail version). So yeah, if you bought the OEM version, you're out of luck.

As far as Boot Camp supporting 64-bit on pre-2008 systems, I'd hope so. It's already overdue. My guess is that Snow Leopard will allow it, if nothing else.

well, you know i can NOT afford a MBP and i really need windows (i have to have both operating systems because i have software for each that i use and need) -- and if i cant afford an MBP i cant afford the mac pro either... so i really hope they release 64bit support for bootcamp in all macs that run the upcoming snow leopard version of OSX. i plan to buy a macbook Black and will wait (for up to 2 years) just so i can have 64 bit support... i LOVE apple so dont get me wrong there, but i really need windows for certain applications that i run.... until then i will have to make do with this crappy windows based pc that i have, and with a really really ooooold iMac.
so i am hopeful... and praying

 

[ewilson6]

leopard 10.5.2 and higher supports 64 bit Vista.

Boot Camp now supports 64bit-Vista, more Vista/Mac news

http://andersonshatch.wordpress.com...t-camp-update-version-21-with-64-bit-support/

This update addresses issues and improves compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista 32, and Vista 64 running on a Mac computer using Boot Camp. It is highly recommended for all Boot Camp users.

--Eric

 

[SnowLeopard2008]

Only the MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro supports 64-bit Vista. The only remaining computers that don't support 64-bit Vista is my MacBook, and the Mac Mini, and the MacBook Air I think. The drivers included on the system restore discs that came with your purchase are only on those mentioned computers.

 

[Stridder44]

well, you know i can NOT afford a MBP and i really need windows (i have to have both operating systems because i have software for each that i use and need) -- and if i cant afford an MBP i cant afford the mac pro either... so i really hope they release 64bit support for bootcamp in all macs that run the upcoming snow leopard version of OSX. i plan to buy a macbook Black and will wait (for up to 2 years) just so i can have 64 bit support... i LOVE apple so dont get me wrong there, but i really need windows for certain applications that i run.... until then i will have to make do with this crappy windows based pc that i have, and with a really really ooooold iMac.
so i am hopeful... and praying

Couldn't agree more with ya. The delays been way too long already.