Case Catalyst laptop specifications

Can someone explain to me the 64-bit and 32-bit difference on a laptop?  I'm looking at an IBM T60 with XP Pro.  I prefer to stay with XP Pro as long as I can. I've read somewhere on here about problems with the 64-bit and CC.  Is this true or does it only apply to 64-bit and Vista? 

How do you know if a laptop is 64-bit or 32-bit?  Does it have something to do with Dual Core? 

Tina Stancill

Hi, Tina.

I can't explain the difference between the two, but the problems with 64-bit and CC has only to do with Vista.

Lillian

Tina:

A 64-bit processor is fine with CATalyst.  A 64-bit operating system, whether it is XP or Vista is NOT.  Click HERE to check the recommended minimum hardware specs for Case CATalyst.

I checked the standard specs for the IBM T60 at the Lenovo site and it looks fine in terms of processor and memory.  I didn't see any listing regarding the sound card, so I would suggest checking with your colleagues to see if anyone else has that model and can provide you with feedback regarding audio quality if you use AudioSync.

Cindi Hartman
Training Program Manager
STENOGRAPH, LLC

Thank you both for your responses and for looking that up, Cindi.

How do you know the difference between a 64-bit processor and a 64-bit operating system?  Sounds the same to me. 

Thanks,

Tina Stancill

Tina R. Stancill:

I'm looking at an IBM T60 with XP Pro.

A bit of FYI information:  It's my understanding after a recent Lenovo purchase that the T60 has been discontinued and replaced with the T400.  So unless there is some pretty significant savings involved with the T60, you may want to take a close look at the T400.

Tina,

I have the T60 and it is great in every way, including the sound.  If you're not buying it already from this Bob, definitely call him to see what he has.   He's the best, a retired IBMer who has access to ThinkPads, which he configures to the customer's specs.  You get lots of extras from him, like a major business suite that we all need (not Works!) and other stuff he throws in if he has it like maybe a wireless mouse, maybe a laptop bag, whatever he might have.  Many people have taken my advice and checked him out and bought from him.  My T60 is perfect and the sound is great.

Robert (Bob) C. Bogutsky
5064 Overcrest Drive
Kannapolis, NC 28081 USA
Telephone (Home) 704 785-9276
Primary Email ID: rbogutsky@carolina.rr.com
Facsimile: 704 782-4911
Mobile: 704 258-3287

Tina:  

Put simply, a processor is hardware and an operating system is software.  They're two different components. 

When purchasing the computer, you should request that the 32-bit version of the preferred operating system (Windows XP or Vista) be installed.

Thanks, everyone.  Marge, I'll check that out.

I am not looking at the newer laptops offered by Lenova because I want to stay with XP Pro.

Tina Stancill

Tina R. Stancill:

I am not looking at the newer laptops offered by Lenova because I want to stay with XP Pro.

I bought a new T400 last month, and the operating system was my choice, either XP or Vista.  I ordered it with Vista installed plus a set of CDs with XP; it can be converted at any time.  So unless Lenovo has changed something in the last 30 days (always a possibility), don't discount a current model based on rumor that you can't get it with XP.

Personally, there is every good reason not to use obsoleted operating systems, but everyone needs to make their own decisions about that.

After researching with various computer gurus, the concensus is to stay with XP Pro if at all possible for stability.  When I go to the Lenova Web site, there is no option for XP Pro as far as I can see. 

Tina Stancill

Tina R. Stancill:

When I go to the Lenova Web site, there is no option for XP Pro as far as I can see.

That site isn't exactly a model of clarify and navigability.

After beginning the configuration of an online order and selecting Vista Business as the operating system, a new section opens up titled Recovery DVD, and the second option is Microsoft Windows XP Professional US English RDVD, with a $0.00 cost associated with it.

What that means is Vista Business is preinstalled on the computer.  The XP DVD set is shipped with full instructions for swapping the machine over to XP.  Were I bent upon a computer with XP, I might not go that route because it would require a fair amount of fussing to get XP up and running.  But that new T400 has so much to offer over the older models that I just might (faster backplane, faster processors, faster cache, support for faster memory, LED backlighting, on and on and on).