What Operating System for laptop

Need to run IIS

[RossWal]

I'm in the market for a new laptop, as I'm having trouble with the punchcard reader on the old one. Seems like just last decade that I bought it :)

Problem is, most of the notebooks from bestbuy etc, are running Windows Media Center 2005. Can I run IIS under that? Is there an XP pro equivalent in media center? What about the free Vista upgrade.... I guess that's for a home version?

Also, I read I might have problems if I want to connect to my work network with Media Center. True?

Is the safest route to buy a dell unit with xp pro installed? Or can I install xp pro over Media Center?

Thanks guys!

[youfoundjake]

I'd say run Windows XP pro if you have the chance. IIS installs nicely under that. You can run it under home edition, but its a hack, and if something goes wrong and it doesn't work, its difficult to troubleshoot. Just make sure you have access to 2000 or 20003 server cds if you do the hack.

As far as connecting to you network with MediaCenter, I'm not sure if they have the ability to join a domain if you are running one. something to research.

I'd say get the dell with xp pro.

As far as Vista is concerned, I'd hold off a while, not sure how IIS will run on it, much less, how stable is the platform yet.

[TXGodzilla]

and considering that there are 6 different versions of Vista, you have to check carefully to make sure you get the appropriate version for your needs.

IBM/Lenovo, Sony, Dell, Compaq, HP, Toshiba all can be ordered with Windows XP Pro. Office Depot has occasional fantastic sales on decent midrange HP/Compaq laptops.

Now what are you going to do with all those punch cards?

[aspdaddy]

Id definately get a Dell or HP with XP Pro SP2 installed, for busienss use and development it just works without any hassle.

Anything with a home O/S installed is likeley to have all sorts of drivers/freeware installed and might have problems connecting to networks or installing SQL etc.

HP Resellers get end of line listss from HP with some really good deals. Also if there a year or so old you get to upgrade to your required versions of IE & .NET.