32 and 64 bit Vista

[thephilosophizer]

I want to buy Vista, and I notice that sometimes it is mentioned that one is 32 or 64 bit. Are they really separate? If I buy a 32 bit, meaning to get a 64, am I SOL?

[Sixpac_XP]

If you buy Ultimate (Like I did) it comes with both 32 and 64 bit (on separate DVD's). Only one can be activated at a time though.

[thephilosophizer]

I was only going to get home premium, don't really see the need for all the bells and whistles.

[Sixpac_XP]

Yes they do offer the Home Premium with 32/64 bit in the box.

[thephilosophizer]

So you just chose which one you want when you install, otherwise, they are the same?

[PastranA]

nah they are bought seperatly

from the reading i have done, if you buy the 64bit version you may have trouble finding drivers for your hardware. but with 32bit, if you have 4 gb of ram you will only use approx 3.3gb

im sure theres more pros and cons for each