READ: Microsoft to exchange 32 bit Windows for 64

[TechZ]

excerpt:

We met a senior Microsoft bloke, a member of the Windows 64 bit group and he told us that within three months customers will be able to replace its existing copy for a brand new Windows 64 bit version. The RTM (Release to Manufacture) version is soon to be ready. Official release is expected toward the end of the April as we originally suggested in our previous part.

We were quite surprised with this noble action and Microsoft has been very nice to the early 64 bit supporters giving away all the betas for free. This finally wiped away all our fears that users of existing 32 bit Windows will have to go out and buy a copy of new 64 bit Windows.

Full story: The Inquirer

The RTM date of Windows x64 will be on March 28, 2005.

News source: Extended64

[Duke of Rezin]

Great post TechZ. I just bought a 64 bit laptop in January.

[TechZ]

Is it those AMD powered ones? Also AMD have a rival for the Centrino, the AMD Turion (64bit). http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...1774693,00.asp

[Duke of Rezin]

I've got a 754 pin Clawhammer SH7-CG. Wouldn't really be much of an upgrade path on the desktop, but I haven't seen any indication as to what the socket number will be for the Turions. I also haven't seen if they will work in current notebook motherboards natively or if a BIOS flash would be needed, if they would work at all (Gateway comp so not probably won't be much luck in getting a new BIOS).