Are you looking to buy a Windows XP-based computer today but want to make sure that it can run Windows Vista? There's no need to wait. When you buy a new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC designation, you’ll be able to upgrade to one of the editions of Windows Vista while taking advantage of all the opportunities offered by Windows XP today.
Unfortunately, being a custom computer builder, we cannot simply say "these systems are Vista ready, and these aren't." Since you can customize each of our computers, you can also make changes that can effect their readiness. Therefore, we recommend you work with a Puget representative to find the best configuration for you! It is the purpose of this page to list the requirements of Vista, as announced by Microsoft, to help you as you configure a computer. Be sure to check out the bottom of this page to view the Puget Vista Upgrade Promotions!
You can view full Vista requirement details at Microsoft.com, but here are the highlights:
A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.
A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:
- A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
- 512 MB of system memory.
- A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.
Note: Nearly ALL Puget custom computers meet these requirements.
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, your PC must meet or exceed the Premium Ready requirements described below.
A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:
- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
- 1 GB of system memory.
- A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
- 128 MB of graphics memory.
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
- DVD-ROM Drive.
- Audio output capability.
- Internet access capability.
Note: Most Puget custom computers meet these requirements. Ask your Puget rep to confirm Vista readiness of any quote you have on file.
Windows Vista Aero provides spectacular visual effects such as glass-like interface elements that you can see through. It is an environment with an additional level of visual sophistication, one that is even more responsive and manageable, providing a further level of clarity and confidence to Windows users.
Windows Aero requires at least:
- DirectX 9 class graphics processor that:
- Supports a WDDM Driver.
- Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
- Supports 32 bits per pixel.
- Adequate graphics memory.
- 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels
- 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels
- 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
- Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP
Note: Many Puget video cards, except for integrated video cards, meet these requirements.
Microsoft Windows Vista is expected to ship with DirectX 10, for better 3D video effects, leading to more realistic gaming. While DirectX 9 clearly meets all Microsoft's requirements for Windows Vista, including Aero, it is understandable that some users may wish to specifically use a DirectX 10 video card so they are sure they are using Vista to its full potential. If you have questions about this, or anything else about Vista readiness, feel free to contact us or ask your Puget rep!
For those of you who purchased a computer before Vista was released, Puget has two offers to give you all the options you need!
- Video card trade-up program.
With this program, you can send in your video card to us, and we will give you current market value on that video card towards the purchase of a DirectX 10 video card from Puget. - Free Vista Installation Service (you must still purchase the OS).
When released, simply purchase Vista from Puget, and ship your computer to us, and we will perform the installation for free! That way, if you wish to upgrade to Vista but are not comfortable performing the installation, you aren't out of luck! If you qualify for the Microsoft Vista Ugrade Program, we are happy to install that Vista upgrade for free as well.
These offers expire on April 15th 2007. All Puget computers purchased between June 1st 2006 and the January 15th 2007 of Windows Vista qualify.
All of Puget's preconfigured systems are capable of Vista, but here are a few of our top picks:
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