Will Vista run on this configuraton?

Question

Hello all,

Long time no talk to since the 4700 days.

Anyway, I'm considering the following config and I'm very interested on your expert feedback.

Dim E521

AMD Dual-Core-2000

1 Gig Ram

"Integrated" graphics

250 Gig Sata II hard drive.

Ships with "Windows Vista Premium." (added after the original message)

This is a Dell stock offering and my only concern is in the area of graphics capabilities.

My question is "will this rig run the Aero scheme?" I may not even be saying this correctly but I hope you all know what I mean. In addition, I do not intend to play any games; just normal surfing and a bit of multitasking. Am I "good to go" with the above or do I need someting else?

Best regards,

pent7301

Message Edited by pent7301 on 03-30-2007 05:50 PM

Rebel9 · Answer

In all reality, your video will probably not support Aero (or f it does, you won't be happy with it). I would also recommend a minimum of 2 Gb RAM. Vista will certainly function on 1 Gig, but again, I think you would not be happy with the performance. The processor and disk are fine.

Rebel9 · Answer

Yep - for sure - wait for some other feedback.   'I'm still hoping that Dell would consider the hardware and software compatibility when offering a complete package'. Well, Vista WILL run on the configurations offered - but just how WELL is the question. Systems configured with the MINIMUM requirements (as outlined by MS) will run Vista, but you would probably have time to pour a fresh cup of coffee between each mouse click.   At least you are asking these questions prior to Vista, rather than complaining and blaming Microsoft and Dell and whoever else might be handy for poor performance after a poor choice.   Once you get all the answers you need, I'm sure you will like Vista. I really find it hard going back to my desktop (XP) after running Vista on my laptop.   Good Luck !

pent7301 · Answer

Rebel9,

Thanks for the quick response!

However, I'm still hoping that Dell would consider the hardware and software compatibility when offering a complete package. Although I tend to agree with your assumptions, I would really like to hear from someone that has the exact configuration in question; however, based on your caution, I will not buy until I get additional feedback. And if I need an additional graphics card to "make it work", I have no problem with that either... just looking for recommendations in that area as well.

Oh and by the way, I forgot to metion that the above rig ships with "Windows Vista Premium."

That's why I was asking about the Aero thing.

Thanks again,

pent7301

Message Edited by pent7301 on 03-30-2007 05:49 PM

pent7301 · Answer

Rebel9,   Thanks again for your feedback!   I'm hoping that others will follow with their own experience based on the config info provided.     Best regards,   pent7301

NancyM1037 · Answer

I agree with Rebel9. If you use Dell's online configurator, they say "Dell recommends" 2 GB of RAM and a separate graphics card for "best Vista experience" or something like that. So when I ordered mine in December I upgraded to 2 GB of RAM and my Inspiron was only available with an ATI 256 MB graphics card. I am very pleased with Vista performance. Reading on this forum, there are many people complaining about very slow performance or internet access or boot up time. They always have less than 2 GB.

Message Edited by NancyM1037 on 03-30-2007 07:17 PM

pent7301 · Answer

NancyM1037,   Thanks for your suggestions and observations.  I guess I'll include 2GB of Ram plus an external graphics card when ordering.  Better safe than sorry.   pent7301

razgriz989 · Answer

Actually my Inspiron E1505 has 1GB of RAM and Vista aero performance is great I have no slow downs or anything of that sort. But I also think this performance boost is because of my graphics card, an Nvidia GeForce Go 7300

pent7301 · Answer

Hello Rebel9,   I'm definitely convinced about the 2 Gig of Ram now... I just wanted to know the exact model number of raz's video card.   Thanks for replying,   pent7301

Rebel9 · Answer

Your 7300 certainly has a big (positive) impact on performace, but at some time in the future if you decide to up your RAM, I think you'll be very pleasantly surprised.

pent7301 · Answer

raz,   Thanks for the feedback.   Is your card the Geoforce 7300LE version that they are offering as a standard graphics card upgrade or did you buy it after the fact?   This information would help me in my decision making process.   Thanks again,   pent7301

razgriz989 · Answer

They were offering the graphics card I have. And mine is a laptop Graphics Card so it is part of the Nvidia Go series. It is also not an LE. If you are planning on playing graphic intensive games then upgrade to 2GB if you do not plan on playing games stick with 1GB. But more RAM never hurt anything. It all depends if you have the money. More is better!!!!! I have a question. Is upgrading RAM manually easy on a laptop?

Message Edited by razgriz989 on 03-31-2007 01:59 PM

eickmewg · Answer

I recently purchased a Dell E521.  I followed the general advice to get 2G RAM and the GeForce 7300 LE graphics cards.  These two ungrades added $180 to the cost, well worth it in my opinion.  This configuration has worked nicely with Vista.  In fact, if I had to do it over again, I probably would have spent another $50 for the ATI 1300 Pro card.  The GeForce 7300LE is a 258M card but shares half its memory, I found out after the fact.  Bill

Rebel9 · Answer

'Is upgrading RAM manually easy on a laptop?'   Pretty easy. Download the Service Manual for your particular model. Gives you written instructions and illustrations.

pent7301 · Answer

Hello all,   Thanks for your detailed responses!   I think you all have given me enough feedback to make an intelligent decision going forward.   I'll let you all know soon.   Thanks again,   pent7301

Windows General

Will Vista run on this configuraton?

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