New Computer XP or Vista?

adr0ck

Where i work wants to get a new computer

Should i go for XP or Vista?

Main problem is work is tied in on some notsomoneysaving lease for a photocopier/printer (a Sharp AR-163) which we use for photocopying and printing.

I cannot find a vista driver for this printer (i can't find a vista driver for any sharp products)

Is there anyway i could get this printer to work with vista?

If not is there anypoint in getting vista?

Please note will probably be using whatever package i get for at least 5 years.

wolfman

I'd go for Vista if possible, but try googling about regarding the printer. You sound like you're doing your homework though, so shouldn't run into any major problems (or you'll be prepared if you do).

XP is good, but Vista is better. Worth trying to go for Vista, especially if you plan on using it for a prelonged period.

Millionaire

wolfman wrote: »

I'd go for Vista if possible, but try googling about regarding the printer. You sound like you're doing your homework though, so shouldn't run into any major problems (or you'll be prepared if you do).

XP is good, but Vista is better. Worth trying to go for Vista, especially if you plan on using it for a prelonged period.

Ditto....

fguk

Tough question that.....

XP support will be available for years, so I wouldnt worry too much about being stuck with it. You certainly wont be alone!!

If Vista wont do everything you need now, printer driver including, then I guess you need to go XP.

The printer manufacturer might put resources into a Vista driver, but until they do, you will have a very awkward printing process. Have you contacted them?

In summary, if it were my money, I wouldnt be too worried about sticking with XP.

wolfman

fguk wrote: »

XP support will be available for years, so I wouldnt worry too much about being stuck with it. You certainly wont be alone!!

2 years to be exact. April 2009 I believe is the end date. Not as long as people think.

How long does the lease on the printer last for? Could you not press to get it changed or swapped?

adr0ck

unfortuantly the lease thing goes on for another couple of years

its so unmoneysaving that i don't really want to break the lease (it would cost something like £750 to break)

when it expires i want to buy a machine outright and get a onsite warranty for it for 3-5 years as this will save big monies so i just want to ride out lease if possible

i can't believe that sharp havn't released any vista drivers for any of their products ... it just seems daft...why would anyone buy a new sharp product?

adr0ck

wolfman wrote: »

I'd go for Vista if possible, but try googling about regarding the printer. You sound like you're doing your homework though, so shouldn't run into any major problems (or you'll be prepared if you do).

XP is good, but Vista is better. Worth trying to go for Vista, especially if you plan on using it for a prelonged period.

i really want to go for vista

would the printer work at all?

is there anyway of trying it?

Millionaire

Microsoft are saying support for XP will be "two years after Vista ships"

If you have XP Professional then because it is a business product then "five years after Vista Ships"

So maximum if you have XP Proffesional is around 4 1/2 years left. Otherwise just over 1 1/2 years left.

Thats why I cant understand some people on here advsing folks to get XP over Vista on a New PC esp when they want to keep it for a period of time.(excluding driver support issues on must use products)

Mrs_pbradley936

I would go with XP unless you are going to buy everything new! I have recently bought a new laptop with Vista and hardly anything works, certainly not the printer. Like you I have been unable to find any drivers (Lexmark). My son cannot burn his CDs/DVDs. Luckily we still have an older computer with XP so we can use that if we have to print anything. At the moment all I can do with the new one is access the internet!

Millionaire

pbradley936 wrote: »

I would go with XP unless you are going to buy everything new! I have recently bought a new laptop with Vista and hardly anything works, certainly not the printer. Like you I have been unable to find any drivers (Lexmark). My son cannot burn his CDs/DVDs. Luckily we still have an older computer with XP so we can use that if we have to print anything. At the moment all I can do with the new one is access the internet!

Im running Vista and everything works and runs very smooth. It could be because I checked all drivers for hardware and all software I use is compatiable before getting it.

I can also burn CD/DVDS without a glitch and all my applciations work just as good as they did in XP and most of the hardware is old, its just has the drivers supported.

You may have a Burner issue which may have nothing to do with Vista. Have you tried diagnosing what the problem may be with the burner?

adr0ck

Millionaire wrote: »

Microsoft are saying support for XP will be "two years after Vista ships"

If you have XP Professional then because it is a business product then "five years after Vista Ships"

i don't have any operating system yet....trying to make the decision....

so basically if i go for xp make sure its professional