Why are companies installing 32-bit versions of Windows 7 on 64-bit systems?

Question

I'm in the market for a new netbook. I have my eye on the new Asus 1215T which is running an AMD Athlon II Neo K125 CPU. It is single core 64bit cpu. The system also comes with 2GB of RAM that is upgradeable to 4GB.

They are distributing the netbook loaded with Windows 7 Home Premium 32-bit. WHY?
1) It's capable of running the 64-bit OS.
2) It actually costs them more for the 32-bit version. 32-bit is slowly being phased out, so there is a higher premium on the cost of 32-bit versions.
3) The 32-bit version can't utilize 4GB of RAM. It will recognize anywhere between 2.5 and 3.6 GB. So upgrading is futile unless upgrade the OS too!

This isn't the only netbook I've seen set up like this. Why would they do that?

Answer 1

Maybe they have a lot of leftover copies of the 32-bit they need to shovel out the door, and they're loading them on the netbook (and of course charging you for it) to get rid of them. Then, after you've paid for the 32-bit version, you'll need to buy a copy of the 64-bit to replace it.

Answer 2

1. of course it is, but it won't do it too well

2. where are you getting that info from. logic tells me 64 bit versions cost more if not the same

3. it can use UP TO 4GB of ram.



also only people who don't know much about computers buy netbooks

Answer 3

i might set up the sixty 4 bit version of abode windows 7 it gets greater overall performance out of your hardware and could detect the entire 4gb reminiscence except its shared with the RAM. the version between 64bit is that it detects 3 or greater GB of ram and provides greater advantageous overall performance with a sixty 4 bit processor. 32bit is in many cases as much as 3 GB of ram yet is nicely suited with a 64bit processor typical i might set up the sixty 4 Bit version of abode windows 7