Whats they hype about anyways?

[booman]

I need to convince my boss to get a new laptop with Windows 7 instead of Vista.
I have not used it yet, so what are some items I can sell him with?

We are using Windows Small Business Server with a watchguard firewall and VPN.

He really needs to use the VPN to work from home and he wants to use:
1. Microsoft Office (I suggested Open Office)
2. AutoCAD
3. Google Sketchup
4. Quickbooks
5. Outlook

I like the Virtualization option too with Windows 7 Professional but how does it communicate with hardware? Will it be as fast as a regular booted OS?

[Áedán]

Virtualisation prevents direct communication with the hardware, as that would break virtualisation. However, there are some common scenarios that do work - for instance USB drives can be attached. Sound can be passed through to the sound device in the host OS.

Don't forget that Windows 7's virtualisation requires that the CPU supports either Intel-VT or AMD-V. If the laptop's CPU doesn't support either of those, you can't use the built-in virtualisation.

My experience of virtualisation is that is is generally a bit slower than running directly on metal, but it does depend on what you are trying to do. Some apps will running at pretty much the normal speed, others will run much slower.

[booman]

Thats what I needed to know.
So Intel-VT or AMD-V processors huh...
There are a few CPU's on newegg.com that support actualization but I have a feeling laptops won't. He doesn't want Vista and XP is hard to get on a laptop these days. Specially with a 17" screen and numberpad.

I purchased an Acer AS5516 with Vista for $300.00 on newegg.com
That was the sweetest deal I've ever seen for a full laptop.
Most netbooks cost $300 and we got a laptop.
It works great (my opinion) but he hates it (his opinion).
So now he wants something faster.

[Áedán]

Some do, some don't. It is in the processor rather than the motherboard (yes, BIOS support is needed, but that's the easy bit!), so you might be surprised at which systems do support it. For example, a few of the Atom processors support Intel-VT!

If it's an Intel based processor, you can find a list of which processors support Intel-VT here: Intel Virtualization Technology List

[booman]

cool, thanks for pointing me in the right direction.
Now I can find the right laptop with the compatible VT processor.
Now I have to figure out how to get Windows 7 Professional on a pre-installed laptop.
Otherwise, he will have to wait.

[candle_86]

Newegg.com - HP Pavilion DV6-1361SB NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo P8700(2.53GHz) 15.6" 4GB Memory 320GB HDD 7200rpm DVD Super Multi ATI Mobility Radeon HD 4650 - Laptops / Notebooks

cheapest laptop on newegg with win7 Pro and IntelVT, the T6700, all T8xxx and aall T9xxx support Intel VT. And all P series also support VT

[booman]

Yup, I saw that one and forwarded it to my boss already.
Pretty nice machine, dedicated video card, Win 7 Pro....
How did you know the processor is Virtualization compatible? the list?