5. More Specific Hardware Requirements

Whether you decide you can upgrade or must buy new hardware, here are some more specific guidelines regarding what you'll need to run Vista.

You need a moderately fast DirectX 9-class graphics processor that supports Windows Driver Display Model (WDDM) and Pixel Shader 2.0.

One of those glassy, classy Vista windows

Go for a dedicated as opposed to built-in graphics processor. That means look for ATI and Nvidia graphics processors. Built-in graphics processors like Intel's Graphics Media Accelerator (GMA) 950 will run Vista and even support the Aero Graphics GUI, though performance may be less than spectacular. You don't need a top of the line graphics processor to run Aero Graphics, but the greater power of a mid-level dedicated graphics processor is much more likely to yield a smoother, more satisfying Aero experience.

Remember there are both 32 and 64-bit versions of Vista. Even if you have a 64-bit CPU, running a 64-bit version makes little sense if the applications you run aren't optimized for 64-bit operation as many are still not. Get the fastest CPU you can afford. Right now that's a higher end AMD Turion or Intel Core 2 Duo (Core Duo if your budget's tight) mobile processor. As for memory, Microsoft says 1 GB of RAM, we say go for 2 GB.

It should go without saying that those super powerful, hulking gaming and graphics notebooks reviewed on MobilityGuru are both Certified for Windows Vista and Vista Premium Ready.

Finally, let's take a look at the issue of power requirements and batteries. Aero Graphics are superb, but there is one problem on a laptop. The extra hardware and graphics activity drain the battery more quickly. Aero Graphics reduces battery life from say 3 hours with XP to 2hrs with Vista. Therefore rather than spending money on a second battery for Vista on the old laptop, you might be better off upgrading to a modern laptop with longer battery life.