Susanne Dansey’s Blog

Dell are currently busy testing over 50,000 different combinations of systems, software, languages, and peripherals to ensure that when it comes to shipping time in January their Vista machines will run smoothly and customers get a better exprience. With Dell and HP already shipping Vista-ready machines for several months now, it’s time for many of us who  ‘box shift’ as part of our services to make sure we know exactly what machines are and aren’t ready for the new operating system.

For clients who already have machines and are not looking to renew/replace, you can check out the hardware guidance section on the Microsoft TechNet Vista site here.

But what about the tin that is currently shipping with the ‘Vista Capable’ and ‘Premium Ready’ labels?

In short, Vista Capable machines have been configured to at least the minimum requirements set for the “Windows Vista Capable” designation that may not necessarily provide the full benefits of “Premium Ready”, including the Aero interface. You should be aware that some systems (such as Dell) may not meet the requirements for “Premium Ready”, no matter the configuration.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

• A modern processor (at least 800MHz)
• 512MB of system memory
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable

Whilst my laptop (HP NX7010) fulfills this criteria I will not be able to run Vista on it (despite trying!). The reason for this is that HP in their eagerness to get their first widescreen laptop onto the market released it quicker than other component manufacturers were ready. So Intel changed a part on the motherboard which meant that the graphics card model had to be taken down a notch which is below the standard required to run Vista. I think the key here is you will need to check each machine on a case-by-case basis before you look to get Vista loaded. If your clients own NX7010s or you yourself have one, further information on this issue is available here.

*UPDATE* I successfully managed to load the Vista Business RTM Edition but it does run like a dog. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to get a machine built for Vista then I would opt for that. Running it on my machine is like driving a Vanquish in a traffic jam…

So Vista Capable machines mean you can load Vista on it now or after it’s general release on January 30th. If you want Aero then you’re going to need to ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready.

Premium Ready machines are a bit beefier and includes at least:

• 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1GB of system memory
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shaer 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel
• 40GB of hard drive capacity with 15GB free space
• DVD-ROM drive
• Audio capability
• Internet access capability

Some of the big computer manufacturers are participating in an Express Upgrade programme which will allow you to purchase a qualifying Windows Vista Capable PC until mid-March and get you upgrade rights to Windows Vista. For more information on this click here.

And look! Microsoft is even recognising Small Business Specialists (US only at the moment) as a partner in the Vista Small Business Arena!