Build or Buy redux

oniian

JWFokker wrote: »

... Many manufacturers are using Vista as on opportunity to sell hardware, so rather than updating the drivers for existing products, they come out with new models that support Vista and never update the pre-Vista hardware...

If you remember a week or so ago I post an H/A thread of whether to buy or build a new computer. I was considering using vista on this new computer for the OS. But now after reading the quote above, I am second guessing myself as it will assumably affect the hardware choices and prices available to me.

So my only question is: is this true, will I be force into buy the newest parts, the part that have been just recently release and have had little time to come down in price if I am ever to run vista on my pc?

Edit: Sorry, originally posting at work on my lunch break with little time edit let alone write.

JWFokker

I'm not sure what your question is. Most if, if not all of the hardware you were to buy now would be Vista compatible. The problem you could potentially have is with reusing old hardware. The only concerns you should have would be regarding the video card and monitor (you might want HDCP support), network adapter and printer/scanner (because those manufacturers are notoriously bad for updating old product drivers to work with Vista). Of course, there is always the chance that the old drivers will work fine with Vista.

Also, with Vista there is no gaming surround sound currently because Microsoft switched to OpenAL and Creative never bothered to update their drivers to support it, so you'll be stuck with stereo if that's a concern.

Fellhand

oniian wrote: »

JWFokker wrote: »

... Many manufacturers are using Vista as on opportunity to sell hardware, so rather than updating the drivers for existing products, they come out with new models that support Vista and never update the pre-Vista hardware...QUOTE]

If you remember a week or so ago I post a H/A thread of whether to buy or build a new computer. I was considering of using vista on this new computer. But now after reading the quote above I am second guessing myself as it will effect the hardware purchese choices and prices. So my only question is: is this true?

We just hired a new tech at work. He runs his own business on the side doing computer repair. He's done a bunch of Vista installs recently and on any machine that comes in he whacks the OS and does a fresh load and hasn't had any problems. The preloads are kind of terrible. My new Dell has a driver conflict right out of the box.

oniian

Oh okay. When I first read that I was unsure what to think. At first I thought you meant that it would be only the very latest releases of PC hardware would work well with Vista. I was concerned that this would be fairly constraining as to what I could buy. Thanks for the clarification and information JW and Fell.

JWFokker

It's only certain hardware that you'll want to get the lastest stuff, primarily peripherals like printers, networking hardware, etc. Main system components aren't affected because they don't require drivers.

oniian

Yeah I figured that out later :oops: but thanks anyways.