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General discussion

Dell & Microsoft Vista Deception

Feb 20, 2007 6:10AM PST

I recently bought a Dell Desktop Computer with AMD Athlon 64 x2 dual processor from Dell Computer with Windows Vista Home premium. When I received my computer, I found out That Dell is promoting 64 bit computers with 32 bit operating system (when 64 Bit Windows Vista Heme Premium Edition is available fore just $ 7.00 more on the internet). Dell led me to believe that I am getting a 64 bit version. Both Dell and Microsoft are downplaying the 64 bit version to boost the sales of vista and the consumer ends up paying hundreds of dollars more to upgrade to the appropriate OS for the 64 bit computers. I think this is deceptive advertising by both of them.

When I called Dell to complant about this they agreed to give me a $ 100 credit to keep quiet.

Discussion is locked

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hmmm
Feb 20, 2007 8:33AM PST

I would be a bit ticked to, however from what I've gathered, there isn't really anything, software wise, that runs 64Bit native, thus I wouldn't be TOO dissapointed. It would be nice however if they started the 'great push' to 64bit that everyone keeps talking about.

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INRERESTING
Feb 20, 2007 5:09PM PST

How did you just call Dell and get 100.00 for your silence? I purchased a system from Dell 3 months ago with the free Vista Express Upgrade. For the last 10days I have been trying to update my credit card info(a fairly simple task that can be done on their website). After several(5) emails, 3 attempts on website, and a phone conversation with customer service rep. this info is still not updated. How did you accomplish this exactly? This may help me with my situation. For the record, when you ordered your system you need to specify you wanted Vista x64(64bit), if you do not you get x86(32bit). Also, just because you have a 64bit processor does not mean you automatically get a 64bit OS. Lastly, have fun if you go the 64 route finding all the drivers you need. You'll deserve the 100.00 for all the aggrevation you will endure.

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Selling a 64 bit processor with 32 bit Vista
Feb 27, 2007 11:15AM PST

This is unfair on both Dell and Microsoft's part. At least the Dell OEM OS DVD should contain both the 32 bit and 64 bit editions of Vista so that if it doesnot come preinstalled, at least the user can install it. I noticed that all drivers are not available yet for vista 64 bit. However the choice should be left to the user to decide which version he wants and the 64 bit OS installation must not be removed from the OEM OS DVD. Also the website does not state whether the PC comes with 64 bit vista or 32 bit.

Microsoft explicity states that it expects users to migrate from 32 bit to 64 bit in Vista's lifetime and this is a rotten joke played on users who are already buying PCs with 64 bit processors.

It might be acceptable if the OEM PC has a 32 bit processor and only 32 bit Vista is provided. But a 64 bit Processor with 32 bit OS is totally deceptive.

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Re:Selling a 64 bit processor with 32 bit Vista
Feb 27, 2007 5:06PM PST

Note: ALL versions of Vista are on one DVD and the version you have is determined by the product key.
32bit and 64bit are NEVER on the same DVD. For instance, I have Vista Ultimate and it came with a 32bit DVD and a 64bit DVD. I installed the 64bit and have had no driver issues on a 2 year old computer.
Dell, HP etc preload the OS along with all the other junk they force on you and all the major OEM manufacturers are installing 32bit, mostly using 64bit processors.
It's all about money. They need to have something to push you into buying a new rig later when they start pushing 64bit.
Good Luck.

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It's not only Dell and Microsoft....
Feb 27, 2007 10:39PM PST

Hewlett-Packard and Microsoft are doing the same thing... the purchaser only realizes this later. Might add that HP Support is not sterling and Vista 32-bit is not compatible with lots of hardware and software.

My recommendation is to stay with Win XP until there is some honesty and stability with Vista... it seems to be a 5-year reworking of XP anyway with only some rearranging of some things. May be some security improvement but I am unsure of that.

All the best!

Glenn

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What will it cost?
Feb 27, 2007 10:49PM PST

I bought a 64 bit dual from HP last December and am receiving only the 32 bit Vista upgrade from HP. I wonder what it will cost when I want to upgrade to the 64 bit Vista.

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Have no idea about costs...
Feb 27, 2007 11:02PM PST

But I am in no mood for any of their upgrades to 64-bit operating system. Nobody's seems to be supporting it anyway.

Glenn

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Windows Vista 64 bit
Feb 27, 2007 11:14PM PST
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Re: It's not only Dell and Microsoft....
Feb 27, 2007 10:59PM PST

I have been using Vista for 8 months including Beta2, RC1 and RC2 and now have the complete released Vista Ultimate 64bit installed.
It is not a re-do of XP! The differences are huge!
Perhaps you should use Vista for an extended time rather than "trying it" and complaining after a short trial.
It doesn't work for many people because they try to use it like XP. It is not XP, it is Vista and requires a learning curve.
I say to all who's computer is at least Vista Premium capable to upgrade (with a clean install) and work their way through the "problems."
And if you buy a new computer get it from a system builder, not Dell, HP, Gateway etc! Unless you pay an arm and a leg, they have a weak power supply and very poor video (usually onboard).
Good luck and move along with the times!

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Didn't ask for the opinionated tirade...
Feb 27, 2007 11:12PM PST

and neither do I accept it!

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I didn't give an "opinionated tirade."
Feb 27, 2007 11:33PM PST

I gave an informed opinion based on actual long term experience with Vista.

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To a Vista Junkie
Feb 28, 2007 12:04AM PST

You obviously are a Vista fan. Vista premium Home edition on a AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ w 2 GB ram runs slower than Windows Xp on my 1.5 GHz Celeron 32 bit CPU. For the heck of it I installed Windows Xp 64 bit on my Athlon 64 X2 5000+ and it runs extremely fast (of course now I am dealing with 64 bit driver issues). Then there are so many alerts and warnings in Vista that are totally unnecessary for a home user. (For example to copy a small file, Vista takes longer to calculate time required to copy than the actual time needed to copy. Wake up and smell the Roses

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All major desktop vendors
Mar 1, 2007 9:19PM PST

Well, I finally returned my Dell E 521 desktop and decided to build my own. Upon studying, I found that all major desktop vendors highlight the speed and power of CPU without mentioning the type of CPU socket. AMD 64 bit cpu come various type of socket. The two best being 1207 pin socket (for Athlon 64 FX 70 or better) or AM2 socket (For most Athlon 64 X2). All the big name vendors are pushing the AMD 64 with older 939 socket. The unsuspecting consumer ends up buying not knowing the difference. My assembly includes ASUS M2R32-MVP ATI RADEON XPRESS 3200 CHIPSET SERIAL ATA300 ATX FORM FACTOR, 2xPCI-E(X16)/2xPCI-E(X1)/2xPCI/4xDDR W/SATA2 RAID,LAN(Gb),1394A,USB 2.0 & AUDIO (CPU TYPE:AMD - SOCKET AM2)
? AMD ATHLON 64 X2 5200+ - WINDSOR
? MWAVE 2GB DDR2 667
? (1GB x 2)
WD 250GB WD2500KS SATA300 16MB 7200RPM (Bare drive). so far I have spent only a little over $ 500. I plan to build a good system capable of supporting Windows XP Pro 64 bit edition. Will keep posting my progress

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Sounds like a good build...
Mar 2, 2007 3:53AM PST

By the way, what graphics card do you plan on?
I am planning on building a new system (I currently have a much modified eMachine T6212)and your build has given me some ideas.
I usually use newegg.com for parts.
Good luck with the new rig. Pity you won't be using Vista. I've used it for over 8 months and now love it after getting used to the changes. I currently have Ultimate x64 installed.