will I have problems running windows 7?

I am currently running windows Vista SP1 on my laptop. My laptop was most definitely not made for running Vista, but it does so with few problems. My only grudge is my integrated graphics card does not support Aero at all , but the OS overall runs very well, and quick.

Here are some quick specs:

Gateway CX2618 Tablet
1 GB of ram
Intel Pentium M Processor 1.73 GHz
Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (GMA900)

Link for full specs

I know it is my video card that is keeping me from running Aero, but I was just wondering if I would have any problems running Windows 7 since I hear it is more suited for lower end hardware. Would I still be able to use the new taskbar and all of its features? Would there be too many compatibility issues with my drivers since I know no windows 7 drivers have been released? I am hoping to try it out for myself and install the pre-beta, but I just want some opinions in case I may be wasting my time.

Thanks!

Windows 7 in itself is not more suited for lower end hardware, why would they be going backwards? What you're referring to is a dumbed down version meant for netbooks, and is hardly Windows 7 Ultimate. If you are having a hard time running Vista, you'd have a 10 times harder time running Windows 7. It is pre-beta, not fully stable, and has some compatibility issues with drivers. And of course you wouldn't be able to run Aero either...

i know someone who is running windows 7 on his laptop, dual booting with vista, and he says it is much faster than Vista, and may just use 7 as his everyday boot.

I did not say i am having a hard time running vista. It runs very well actually on my laptop, just no Aero. So are you saying i would be wasting my time installing 7 on my machine?

It should run on that spec better than Vista does, but I doubt that you will get aero and all the funky features.

Would it be worth it to run instead of Vista? I use my laptop only for word documents, internet surfing, movie watching and torrent downloading. Would it hinder any of those experiences?

I'm bummed i probably wont get any features to work. It looks like I am going to need to upgrade to a new machine anyways. I may try running 7 on my machine, and remove it if I don't like it.

You won't be able to run any Aero applications as per this

Q3: Is Intel providing WDDM drivers for Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (Intel GMA 900) on Intel 915 Express chipset-based platforms?

A3: Intel will provide support for WDDM drivers beginning with the Intel® 945 Express chipset family and beyond. See question 5 below for a detailed explanation of WDDM support on Intel® 915 Express chipset-based platforms. However, Windows Vista is supported on the Intel® 865G, 915G Express desktop chipsets and 852/855GM mobile chipsets running XPDM (XP Display Driver Model) driver included on the Windows Vista install media. Windows Vista will install on these platforms, but advanced features such as Windows Aero will not be enabled as XPDM drivers do not support Windows AERO.



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Q4: How can the Windows Vista operating system run on Intel platforms that do not have WDDM drivers?

A4: There are two different driver models that are available in the Windows Vista operating system, the Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) and the XP Driver Model (XPDM). The Windows Display Driver Model drivers provide the 3D graphical user interface experience to users, while the XP driver model provides an interface that visually resembles the Windows* XP/Windows* 2000 User Interface, but does not support the Windows Vista Aero desktop theme or user interface.

Graphics - Windows Vista* support frequently asked questions

I have understood the reasons why I could not run aero, due to no WDDM driver support for the GM 900. I was just wondering how different it would be in 7. Does this mean I could not run the new taskbar and its features at all, or could I run the taskbar and its features, just no glass theme?

I think the only way you are going to know for sure is to dual boot it and see what happens. Then let everybody know what the outcome is and if you feel it is worth keeping Vista over W7.....

haha....maybe i will do that. how much hard drive space do you suppose i would need open to dual boot 7?