Windows Vista on Notebooks Requirement Hardware

Microsoft announced that it will release the business version of Windows Vista on November 30th and that other versions will be available early in 2007. So it’s really time to start planning your next step. In this article we’ll help motivate you to get going with Vista and guide you through what has become a confusing maze of decisions regarding upgrading your existing hardware or buying new hardware.

Microsoft’s Windows Vista will come in five versions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. In addition to desktops, Vista will run on laptop and notebook computers. It will also run on Tablet PC and Ultra Mobile Personal Computers. You’ll have to take on the burden of choosing from among the various versions and mobile platforms.

Windows Vista: Upgrade Or Buy New Hardware?

Windows Vista hardware requirements can be confusing. There are two logo programs, one focusing more on upgrading Windows XP computers to Vista and one for new hardware that will be running Vista when first sold.
Windows XP Computers Ready for Vista Upgrade

Windows Vista Capable:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz)
* 512 MB of system memory
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable

Windows Vista Premium Ready:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
* 1 GB of system memory
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space
* DVD-ROM Drive
* Audio output capability
* Internet access capability

Works With Windows Vista is the lowest level compatibility category. Hardware in this category can run Vista, but without the operating system’s classy, glassy Aero windowing interface and some other capabilities. Unlike the other four versions of Vista, Vista Home Basic does not support Aero graphics. So if you have a piece of “Works With Windows Vista” hardware, it’s most cost effective to run Home Basic on it, unless, of course, you need one or another feature available only in a higher level Vista version.

Certified for Windows Vista indicates that computer hardware can run any version of Vista, taking advantage of the graphics and other capabilities that come with the Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions. This includes the Aero user interface. Just as Tablet PC is available only in Vista Business and Enterprise editions, Media Center capability will only be included in the Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions. By the way, Vista Ultimate is a blend of the Home Premium and Enterprise versions.

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