This article appeared in the Star Telegram - November 27, 2005
http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/business/13268596.htm

Are you Vista ready?

By AMAN BATHEJA

STAR-TELEGRAM STAFF WRITER

Those in the market for a new computer probably have a checklist worked out: It has to have the right monitor size, be able to handle all the right tasks and come installed with the right software.

But shoppers this holiday season might want to consider one more potentially crucial sticking point: Is it Vista-ready?

Microsoft is preparing to release a new operating system next year called Windows Vista. The most recent Windows updates have essentially been sleeker upgrades of the previous version of the operating system. With Vista, Microsoft says it will offer a far more secure system that offers a rich, 3-D interface and improved search function. Reviews of early releases of the system have been mixed.

Users of Macintosh computers are unaffected by this change. Macintosh released its latest version of its operating system, Mac OS X Tiger, this year.

But for PC users, release of a new version of Windows is an important development. Some may choose to hold off buying a new computer until Vista is released.

Vista is expected to be on store shelves in time for next year's holiday season.

Microsoft has released a list of the recommended hardware for upgrading to Vista. As it is still in development, some of the details of what the new system will require are still sketchy. What does seem clear is that all those entry-level desktops going for $299 this holiday season will not likely be able to fully upgrade to Vista next year.

Among the minimum requirements for a PC to be Vista-ready:

512 megabytes or more of RAM. RAM, short for Random Access Memory, runs programs for the computer. Generally, the more RAM on a computer, the faster it will run. Cheaper computers come with 256 MB of RAM of less. Although 512 MB is the minimum requirement, Microsoft has recommended at least a gigabyte of RAM for a computer to comfortably upgrade to Vista.

A 32- or 64-bit CPU. The computer's central processing unit runs all the software. In general, Microsoft recommends a 64-bit CPU to take full advantage of Vista, but a 32-bit version of Vista will also be available. Microsoft has not made clear what the difference between the two versions will be, but an essay on its Web site explains that lower-end CPUs "won't provide the optimal experience for most users and definitely won't provide the best experience for high-end gaming or video editing."

An advanced graphics card. Purchasing a computer with the right graphics capabilities to support Vista is likely to trip up the most consumers. Vista's graphics interface, called Aero Glass, will need a better graphics card than comes equipped on most low-end PCs. Things can become tricky for those scanning store circulars for the best deal, because the level of graphics offered isn't always clearly spelled out.

The key things to look for are a graphics card that's discrete or dedicated, meaning it has its own allotment of memory separate from the CPU's memory, comes with at least 64 MB of graphics memory, and supports Direct X 9, also known as DX9, the latest version of Microsoft's graphics application. The top graphics-processor makers -- Intel, ATI and NVIDIA -- have lists on their Web sites of which models will support Vista.

A SATA drive capable of reading and writing DVDs. Microsoft describes a DVD drive as "an important element of a Windows Vista PC" on its site. The feature will be necessary for a PC to handle Vista's digital-image processing. Also, the company is recommending a hard disk drive with a Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (usually referred to as a SATA drive or a Serial ATA drive). This will ensure that the computer will be able to handle multiple applications at once.

To be sure, Microsoft has said lesser computers will still be capable of running Vista, just with some of the special features that differentiate it from older versions of Windows automatically turned off.

Dell has a section on its Web site, at www.dell.com/vista, which highlights computers the company recommends for those planning to upgrade to Vista. For models for the home and home office, the recommended desktop is priced at $1,749. The laptop costs $2,699.

Tim Landers, owner and chief technician for Beep-A-Geek Computer Services in Euless, said most new PCs should be able to handle Vista's basic requirements in every regard except for maybe the issue of the CPU. Most computers currently sold have 32-bit CPUs, Landers said. If Vista works optimally with a 64-bit CPU, many consumers may choose to buy new hardware in order to properly upgrade to Vista, he said.

That could be good news for those who just bought a new computer with Windows XP. Ted Schadler, an analyst with Forrester Research, said that after this year, PC sales will dry up for several months in anticipation of Vista's debut. Once Vista hits shelves, computers with 64-bit CPUs will be in high demand, he said.

"You will probably see 32-bit computers sold at a discount," Schadler said.

But for those who plan on switching to Vista, waiting out the new operating system's release might not be practical. Microsoft has pushed back Vista's release date several times already. Furthermore, it may be prudent to wait a few months after Vista's initial debut to switch to the new system.

"Operating systems when they're first released often have a lot of bugs," Landers said. "Windows XP is very stable.

"If someone needs a computer right now, I would say get a computer right now."