[jonp]

Originally Posted by jeff1981

Thanks for all the input. Any thoughts about xp vs vista vs win7? I want to make sure i'm good for a few years, but i'd hate to be unable to use programs.

Neither xp or vista. Wait a few weeks for Win7. You can upgrade easily from vista to 7 but with xp you'll have to back up your files, load up 7 then re-install everything one at a time. I'd just wait for Win7 if I were you. If you have to get a comp right now then get one with basic vista and upgrade.

A Review of Windows 7 - WSJ.com

Good article on Win7 vs xp/vista/mac

[jonp]

Originally Posted by GMAN

I use XP. I would not recommend Vista. It has been plagued with problems, some of which have been software compatibility. Windows 7 is so new I would wait and see how things develop. Personally, I would see if I could get something with XP. Most programs are compatible with it, but I am not sure about the current availability on any of the new systems. Microsoft tends to roll out some of their software before the bugs are worked out.

I agree. I used xp for several years and never had a problem with it. I have Vista on a laptop now and don't care for it. The main problem that I have is that it has way too much stuff that the average user will never use and that just slows the loading/start-up times down. Vista seems to me to be a "hey, look what I can cram into an operating system ain't I smart" solution in search of a problem in a lame attempt to compete with Mac. Kinda like Windows 2000. Remember that turkey?

[jonp]

By the way, I used a Gateway with a single core intel processor for a few years on the road and it did everything that I needed. Built in wifi and a dvd for watching movies. It was fine and lasted through much abuse. I have 19 inch Everex laptop with Vista and a duel-core amd now. I use it as a desk-top replacement and am quite happy with it. Its a little big to carry around although I've done it many times. \

Pay close attention to the battery times on the laptops your considering. they vary wildly and more is better.

And I bought it from TigerDirect. Ordered it and it came the next day. No kidding and the price could not be beat by anyone on the net. They run alot of sales and closeout stuff. Good company

[Kevin0915]

Originally Posted by jeff1981

What kind of computer, and what operating system do you guys use in the truck? I'm considering a laptop or netbook, but I want to make sure I will be compatible with the wifi at as many truckstops as possible.

I had an HP dv6000 till i cracked the screen. then bought an HP G60. pretty good computer.....watch my movies on it....GPS is on it....and its my iPod. =)

[FLnosedive]

Originally Posted by Kevin0915

I had an HP dv6000 till i cracked the screen. then bought an HP G60. pretty good computer.....watch my movies on it....GPS is on it....and its my iPod. =)

What is a good GPS program to use on the laptop?

[GMAN]

I will just stick with my XP. It is working just fine for me. :thumbsup:

[jonp]

If my new comp didn't have Vista I'd still be using xp. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I'm with you Gman

[heavyhaulerss]

Originally Posted by GMAN

I will just stick with my XP. It is working just fine for me. :thumbsup:

same here. I have a vista in the family room & the old xp in my office & I use the xp & let the others in the house deal with the vista. it does load all kinds of sh#t that I have no use for.

[GMAN]

Most of us have a few things we do on our computers. The rest is useless. I would like to find out what makes my computer hang up sometimes when I am keying in. The computer just locks up for a few minutes.

[geeshock]

Originally Posted by Fredog

vista premium works fine, it's the home version that has all of the problems

SLackware linux or BSD lol. No seriously though, I have run vista on my sony vaio for a while now and have had no problems. As long as you keep your patches and drivers up to date it runs good. Also, I have 4 gigs of ram. more ram is always a good thing.

Of course I mentioned Slackware, yes, I am dual boot and use Slackware for stuff that don't require windows.