Vista Ultimate

:: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs

How do you know if a new desktop computer or laptop can run Windows Vista? Look for the Microsoft Windows Vista sticker - identified as Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready computers:

1) Windows Vista Capable A Windows Vista Capable desktop or laptop can run all six editions of Windows Vista but has limitations with advanced features like the new Windows Aero interface. 2) Premium Ready A Premium Ready desktop or laptop can run all five editions of Windows Vista, including all the advanced features.

:: Windows Vista Ready Specifications

1) Windows Vista Capable
- 800MHz CPU or faster
- 512MB system memory
- graphics card capable of DirectX 9

2) Premium Ready
- 1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit CPU
- 1GB of system memory
- 128MB (dedicated) graphics card with WDDM driver and supports Pixel Shader 2.0

Note: the above specifications are Windows Vista's minimum requirements.

In addition, Windows Vista features a new technology called Windows ReadyDrive, which takes advantage of a new type of hard drive - Hybrid Hard Disk Drive (HHD). This will enable Windows Vista to boot up faster, resume from hibernation in less time and preserve battery life, i.e. system will start-up almost instantly.

Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready Brands

Below is a list of computer brands that have Windows Vista Capable and/or Premium Ready hardware. If you know a page that is not listed here, please contact us:

Acer: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs
Alienware: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs
Dell: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs
HP/Compaq: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs
Lenovo (Thinkpad): Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready PCs
Toshiba: Windows Vista Capable & Premium Ready Desktops PCs

If you plan to upgrade your existing hardware from Windows XP to Windows Vista, Microsoft has a utility called Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor (beta) that scans your system and advises you on possible hardware and compatibility issues.

Here are Windows Vista ready desktops and notebook PCs according to Microsoft:
- Windows Vista Capable Laptops
- Windows Vista Premium Ready Laptops