Gateway EC1803h

[OverMatt]

I just purchased the Gateway EC1803h 11.6" laptop:

It's essentially a (low-powered) notebook with the dimensions of a large "netbook". As far as I know, it's technically identical to the Acer Aspire 1410.

The basic specs are:

Intel Core 2 Solo SU3500 (1.40GHz, 3MB L2, 5.5W)
3GB DDR2 RAM
250GB 5400RPM HDD
Windows Vista Home Premium 32-Bit

I'm planning to perform a clean install of Windows 7 as soon as possible and I have two questions:

1. Given the specs of the machine, should I install the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7? I'm pretty sure the Core 2 Solo has 64-bit architecture; but is the machine powerful enough for a 64-bit OS?

2. If I should use the 64-bit version, does the fact that the machine ships with the 32-bit version of Vista matter? I'll be receiving a free copy of Windows 7 with purchase that, I assume, will be the "Upgrade" package of the software. Thus, as I understand it (correct me if I'm wrong), when my copy of Windows 7 arrives I'll have to do two things:
- Reinstall Windows Vista (to provide Windows 7 with a license key).
- "Upgrade" my Vista installation to Windows 7.
When I "upgrade" Vista 32-bit, will I be able to perform a clean install of Windows 7 64-bit (assuming I should use the 64-bit version)?

Thanks for your help.

 

[zigzag3143]

OM

3 gigs of ram is enough for 32 bit but thin for 64bit. You wont notice a lot of difference in performance between 32 and 64 but that depends on how you use your computer.

If you are getting vista 32 a 64bit install of win 7 has to be done clean. re-installing apps etc. another con to 64 bit is it is more difficult to get drivers for it. Certain laptops rin warmer on 64bit as well.

If you get the laptop with vista 32 your win 7 upgrade is also 32bit.

If I were in your shoes I would pick 32. If you have any 16bit legacy apps they will run in 32 but not 64.

Im sure you will get tons of different opinions for and against. One thing I sugest is when you get y our machine make sure you back up. not many ppl do.

hope this helps

Ken

 

[OverMatt]

On that note, can someone please give me a simple, working method for creating system recovery discs, in case I need to revert back to the Vista version of my system?

Naturally I can't use Vista's own system backup tool; that would be too simple. Since I "merely" have Vista Home Premium, that tool isn't available.

So I've spent all day trying to find a program to create system recovery discs. Apparently the best two are Acronis True Image and Norton Ghost.

Norton Ghost won't even install. Twice I've attempted to install it and the installation has frozen at about 95% completion both times.

Acronis True Image looked to be working perfectly. Then it inevitably reached the point where my first DVD was full and a second disc would be required. Indeed, True Image even asked for the "first" disc at the start of the process. However, upon filling that first disc, the program simply went "Idle" and stopped completely. :shock: It wouldn't ask for a second disc, and there seemed to be no way to make it continue the process. So the first disc was wasted along with my time.

Can someone please recommended a program that will do this job, or, perhaps, explain what the hell is going on with True Image?

I'm at my wits end, here.

Thanks.