One of the most exciting things about Intel-based Macs is their ability to run Windows XP. But will they be able to run the next-gen Windows Vista?
Microsoft today released hardware requirements for its oft-delayed operating system, now due early next year.
According to the specs, "Vista-capable" PCs meeting minimum requirements will supposedly be able to run the new OS -- but without some of its flashier capabilities.
A higher tier of "premium" PCs will be able to do it all.
Based on these guidelines, some current-model Macs already seem to be behind the curve. Here's what Microsoft says about premium-class machines:
- 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.
And here's what you get, out of the box, in a low-cost Mac Mini desktop computer:
- 1.66 GHz 32-bit Intel Core Duo processor.
- 512 megabytes of system memory.
- A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero .
- 64 MB of graphics memory (shared with system memory).
- 60 GB (minimum) of hard drive capacity.
- DVD-ROM drive (or higher).
- Audio output capability.
- Internet access capability.
You'd clearly have to buy extra system memory if you want the full Windows Vista experience (which mirrors Mac OS X in key ways). I'm not clear what, if anything, can be done about the subpar graphics memory. Apple's new MacBook laptops also incorporate only 64 megabytes of graphics memory, but the consumer iMacs have the required 128 megs.
Shop carefully, fellow Macolytes, shop carefully.
By the way, I haven't run a little piece of Microsoft software called the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor Beta because I don't currently have an Intel Mac with Windows loaded on it. If and when I remedy that situation, I'll run the applet and let you know what it says.
Update: More and more on this.
Second update: More detail (little of it favorable) on the graphics capabilities in the new MacBooks. Microsoft has specified the need for a "discrete" (separate) graphics card for optimal Vista use. The MacBooks lack this -- as with the Mac mini, system and video memory are shared.
And, per a chat with Apple, 64 megs of video memory is, indeed, all you can get with a MacBook. The firm wouldn't talk about Vista, but it seems clear that a MacBook won't meet full Vista spec.
Bummer.
Video memory on a MacBook Pro can be upgraded to whopping 256 megs, though. Now that looks like a kickin' Windows Vista machine.
