Two of my most used software applications now come in 64 bit, so now I'm considering getting a 64 bit Windows OS for my laptop. I've already checked, and my Intel Core 2 Duo (2 ghz) will run 64 bit just fine. I have 3 GB of RAM in it, but I can't tell if I can get put more in. The RAM is a big issue for me and running XP 64 or Vista 64 will get me beyond the 4 GB (in reality closer to 3) RAM limit XP 32 imposes.

So now the big question XP 64 or Vista 64? My gut reaction was to stick to XP since I love that OS, and its presumably less bloated, however I worry about Driver issues in an OS that wasn't very popular and is no longer supported. I know there will be driver issues with Vista as well, however supported software should have fewer issues.

Anybody used either 64 bit OS? Any known pitfalls I should be aware of?

-Steve G.

PS the 64 bit software I intend to run on it is AutoCAD and Revit. I'm not so into games, so that doesn't bother me much if they won't run.