Laptops - pre-installed software

[NBee]

Hi all.

Why is it when you buy laptops, it always seems to come with Windows pre-installed? If I build a PC, I choose the components, and put whatever software I want onto it. With laptops, I don't seem to have that choice available.

Is there anything special about laptops which require certain versions of windows? Could I easily wipe the version that was pre-installed and install my own version (from my desktop PC) instead?

They all now seem to come with Vista, though I was quite happy with XP. I have my own copies of things like Office, and various other items of software - how compatible are these with Vista, or would I have to obtain new versions of all that too?

Thanks for any help - I suppose my questions are half about laptops, half about Vista!

[hitchface]

Newer lappys will have issues with XP simply because drivers may not be available for certain parts. I can't say why they all have to come with Vista except that Microsoft is dropping support for XP soon.

[thefultonhow]

I have heard that some newer laptops are not technically XP compatible -- the manufacturers only put Vista drivers on their sites, so if you want to downgrade to XP, you won't have the proper drivers.

[Lespaul20]

Originally Posted by NBee Why is it when you buy laptops, it always seems to come with Windows pre-installed? If I build a PC, I choose the components, and put whatever software I want onto it. With laptops, I don't seem to have that choice available.

Laptops are almost exclusively proprietary. Most will allow some customization but I haven't seen a laptop without an OS and Windows is about they only commercially viable option. (A few have the option of Linux) The software is usually a result of deals that the manufactures make with each other.

Is there anything special about laptops which require certain versions of windows? Could I easily wipe the version that was pre-installed and install my own version (from my desktop PC) instead?

You can load whatever you want. Some laptops with Vista pre-installed wont have drivers for XP though.

They all now seem to come with Vista, though I was quite happy with XP. I have my own copies of things like Office, and various other items of software - how compatible are these with Vista, or would I have to obtain new versions of all that too?

Dell offers XP via there business/corp section on their website but all the Home and Home office section only offers Vista and I'm pretty sure other makers are the same or similar. Compatibility is dependent on what version you are talking about.

Here's a large list to look through.

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.ph...atibility_List

[glc]

Dell is now offering XP again on some of the home/home office laptops. I just got an Inspiron E1520 with XP Home for a Xmas gift for someone.

[NBee]

Hi GLC... the Dell models are actually the ones I'm looking at myself. They let you build the spec you want, including the choice of OS.

However there seems to be so many models to choose from... notably...

Latitutde, Inspiron, Vostro...

I have little idea what the differences are. I am recommending something for my parents, who don't do anything out of the ordinary. Is there a particular model which would suit?

Thanks.

[glc]

The Latitude and Vostro are oriented toward businesses. The Inspiron is the home user model. I was quite impressed with the value of the Inspiron E1520, it packs a lot into the price and it's even a better deal if you can find a coupon online for a further discount.

The Latitude is an older product line. The Vostro and current Inspirons are pretty much identical.

[thefultonhow]

Make sure to compare prices between identical configs of the Inspiron and the corresponding Vostro model, though. Sometimes one is cheaper, sometimes the other is.