After reading a few articles around the Web, on top of my own personal experience with it, I feel I’m ready to make the jump from XP to Vista.  Now, I’ve been an avid XP user for years, I couldn’t wait to upgrade from 98 to XP when it first came out.  Windows ME was just the worst version of Windows for anyone to even consider using.  Visually it looked the same as 98 and when it came to stability, 98 was the route to stay on.  XP surprised me in many ways, and still manages to do so.  I don’t think I’ve ever once had the blue screen of death and I know that Vista doesn’t have that at all.

Now, I don’t plan on making this upgrade with the current laptop I’m on.  I know it seems kind of stupid to go out and purchase a new system but I want to insure that my system was built specifically to handle Vista.  With the processor and ram that I’m currently running on, there’s no doubt in my mind that my current laptop could handle it.  But for the sake of support in case something DOES happen, I do think I’ll be purchasing a new system in the future.  For now I fully intend to stick with what I have, but if I do ever get the chance to upgrade without completely breaking the bank, I think the following system would work out well for me.

I’m an HP fan, so naturally I’m going to stick with what works.  Their systems have never failed me, even when Compaq joined in with them so I’m confident that they’re the people to go through.  I also don’t believe in being too flashy with my system so it’s not like I’m going to be extreme and purchase their gorgeous 19″ Laptop.  I’m not even going to take the 17″ route because I’m comfortable on my 15″ already.

HP Pavilion dv6500t Special Edition customizable Notebook PC GM816AV

Upgrade to Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit) for ONLY $99!!
Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor T7250 (2.00 GHz, 2 MB L2 Cache, 800MHz FSB)
15.4″ WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800)
75% OFF Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!!
128MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
HP Imprint Finish (Influx) + Fingerprint Reader + Webcam + Microphone
Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection and Bluetooth(TM)
160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support
12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
System Recovery DVD with Genuine Windows Vista Ultimate (64-bit)
Microsoft(R) Works 8.0
HP Wireless Laser Mini Mouse (White) and Mobile Stereo Headset (1 pair, White)
HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

Grand Total – $$1,276.99

This includes a $100 instant rebate.

Not a bad deal.