Gateway Parts

Regarding part compatability with Dell desktops?

So I'm going to go through and order a dell computer, I'll get a 20% discount through Boeing, couple questions however: Dell offers Windows Vista Ultimate "Bonus", wherein I guess you can get your computer with XP pre-installed, and can upgrade to Vista when your ready, is this OK or would it be safer/wiser to just buy Vista pre-installed? Secondly, regardless or not if I go Windows XP pre-installed or not, I plan on upgrading the sound card the system comes with (In this case integrated audio, ugh) to something like a Xonar (zOMG a sound card that actually works decently with Vista!)? I also would like to know if this would "void" any warranty I get through dell for the desktop. And finally, is their no way to get Vista 64 Bit through Dell? I dont know why they insist on not giving out a superior OS. Input? Thanks. Especially considering they give out 64 bit parts, but make you settle for 32 bit.

Public Comments

1. Hey there, Take the xp to vista upgrade. Eventually you'll goto vista, its not a bad operating system. Just compatibility issues with certain software and hardware, but it is slowly catching up with more and more options. Sound cards are perfectly normal and do not void the warranty. The only way to void to 'void' the warranty is loading your own operating system on the machine. Dell does not offer the 64 bit edition because: 1. Most people do not know how to fully take advantage of it 2. Wireless adapters and other options lack the support of drivers
2. What model are you looking at? Only a handful of Dell's systems will run Vista 64bit, but all new models will run Vista just fine. Dell is not offering Vista 64bit with some models, even though they are compatible and Dell offers drivers for it. Even with a 20% discount, you could get a better deal on Ebay (I assume you are in the USA). Search for Dell XPS 420, and there are some with Vista 64bit. I know because I have a few there now. :D