New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

2 simple questions...

post #1 of 7
3/28/07 at 7:48pm
Thread Starter 
I'm thinking about buying an Alienware soon but 3 things are really bugging me.

1. Do they ship the Windows DVD with it or I need to buy that $40 crap of respawn kit?
2. Is Windows the 64bits version? (for vista)
3. HOW THE HELL SHIPPING TO QUEBEC (CANADA) COSTS $400?????

Thanks,
Reply
Reply
post #2 of 7
3/28/07 at 7:57pm
1. Yeah, they ship it with it installed.
2. I don't know, I would call them.
3. I don't know why.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 7
3/28/07 at 8:06pm
They ship a recovery DVD which installs a clean version of Windows, pretty much like installing it from a retail version. The respawn kit is a separate purchase and is an image from the computer's HD after the system is tested, it reinstalls Windows and all necessary drivers in a matter of minutes rather than the hour+ that takes to do a manual Windows installation. It wipes the hard drive so be sure to back up important data.

The current version they send is 32-bit mostly because of drivers. 64-bit drivers for internal and external devices (cameras, scanners, printers, etc) are difficult to come by at this time and Vista requires 64-bit drivers for the devices to work properly. Vista 64-bit won't work with drivers made 32-bit Vista or Windows XP.

Beside the shipping cost to Canada, they automatically calculate the Canadian import taxes. You don't need to pay any extra import taxes, all of their systems ship from their headquarters in Miami so it is considered an international sale. (link)\

Hope this helps.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 7
3/28/07 at 8:11pm
Listen to Dock, I just tried my best to help you out. Dock knows a lot bout' that stuff judging by that post.
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 7
3/28/07 at 8:17pm
Thread Starter 
ok, but do you think they will start to ship 64bits versions by next year? I'm already on Vista X64 at home and no problems so far. Some peripherals are long to install tought but most of them are plugnplay. Only my printer (brother MFC-240C) and my routeur (Dlink- 524) were tought. I took 2 hours more before I realised I just had to run it from the CD, it will stop then windows will restart it with recommanded setting and take XP 32 drivers. Good brand (nvidia,ati,asus....) drivers are already on there website but like Dell, I think Alienware uses an home-made chipset right? My nforce4 works well (I installed NF6 because NF4-5 were not ready at launch but they work flawlessly). But yeah it's true it's a mess for normal users but they could at least offer you the choice like they did when Windows XP.

For the taxes, I see they changed the system. Some time ago it was $250 + 15%. I order a lot from the US and it's first time I must pay Canadian taxes. Even when I order in Canada I only pay GST if the seller isn't in Quebec Province.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 7
3/28/07 at 10:54pm
I'm not sure if they will be shipping systems with Vista 64-bit very soon but that should be in the works. The reason is mostly driver support, mobile systems are not as easy to support as desktop systems and require special components, so they must be working on the drivers.

Not all companies that make mobile systems with 64-bit processors are providing Windows Vista 64 yet.
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 7
3/29/07 at 5:57pm
Thread Starter 
Compagnies like Acer and stuff are stiill shipping windows XP =/
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Alienware General