If I buy a new latop with XP on it, is it going to be obsolete soon?

Factual Questions
1

I’m considering getting a new latop. I assume that 5 years is a reasonable lifespan for this purchase, but I’m not excited about learing Vista, etc. For now I just want it to run my stats software and bibliography software (SAS, State, End note) and word process. Am I going to regret not getting Visa in 3-4 years when it comes to running updates to those?

Thanks.

2

Microsoft just stopped supporting updates for Windows 2000 last year. So you’ll have several more years of updates, especially since the installed base for XP is so large. And especially since the days of getting a new computer every other year are now over. And especially since Vista itself is going to be superceded by Windows 7 fairly soon, for certain values of soon.

3

Go with XP PRO…

4

Thanks. I’m having a hard time finding refurbished latops with XP anymore. :frowning: I asumme the main retailers only sell Vista. I guess the online outlet stores still have XP.

5

I was surprised to see the OEM version of XP Pro SP3 on sale at Tiger Direct recently. I had thought Microsoft had stopped selling it.

6

That price might be OK for a business but is about 2.5X what I would pay for one of my play-around computers.

I have been thinking of buying a laptop but I don’t want Vista and it seems I’d have to pay for it anyway. This is putting me off. I may end up going for a used one with XP but buying used computers is more of a hassle.

7

There’s nothing wrong with Vista. And the time required to get acquainted with it is minimal. It took me a few days to find my way around every nook and cranny. I know my way around PC’s though, so I cna understand if you think that might not be the case for you.

That being said, XP will continue to be updated at least for a couple of years more, with critical updates continuing for the foreseeable future.

Also, windows 7 is on the horizon as well.

8

So when windows 7 comes out your just replace Vista withit, or your stuck with Vista? Why the rapid change?

9

Vista was highly unsuccessful, and with the competition from Linux and Mac, both operating systems with good reputation, Microsoft needs rush another OS into the market to keep its share.

That being said, there’s really no point going for XP right now. If you get yourself a new computer with adequate hardware and want Windows OS, go for Vista. I’ve been using XP since 2002 and Vista since 2006, and while I can’t argue for Vista as such, I can’t argue for XP either. But I can argue for going for the lastest.

Today, 2009, I use XP at home and Vista at work. It’s not like one or the other is much “better” (which is a huge failure on Microsoft’s part), but Vista is safer, better looking, and has a lot of cool features XP don’t. Go for Vista.