Vista 32-bit vs 64-bit

Colleges and Universities A-Z Worcester Polytechnic Institute
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<p>I am looking into getting a laptop (tablet) for my son (incoming freshman). I see on the WPI website that "not all academic software has been tested on Vista 64-bit". Can any of the students on CC tell me of their (or their friends') experience using 64-bit? Do you run into problems with software not working? Is it worth the trouble to "downgrade" a 64-bit Vista to 32-bit?</p>

<p>I would also appreciate any other insights or recommendations regarding laptops/tablets.</p>

<p>We are looking at the HP tx2z tablet, with a docking station and external monitor/keyboard.</p>

<p>Do most students have a printer in their room? Or maybe roommates share a printer?</p>

<p>My son will be a RBE/CS major.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>It is not worth “downgrading” to 32-bit. Most 32-bit software just works on 64-bit Windows because of the transparent 32-bit runtime. This includes VMWare, Java, Microsoft Visual Studio, Scheme/ML interpreters, and most (if not all) software you would be using in WPI CS. If it doesn’t support 64-bit, there is probably some kind of patch or upgrade (usually free) that lets you use it on Vista 64.</p>

<p>I am using Vista 64 and other than some device drivers for old usb devices, I have found maybe 2 out or 500 programs that don’t work (and those are usually junk anyways).</p>