I tried to find a better forum but this one is the ona that most resemblers my inquiery, so here I go...

How important is TPM for vista and how much would I miss if my new rigg (6 month old) ain't got it 'cause it wasn't yet available? Also, how much does TPM really cripple a box?
Will there be USB TPM keys or maybe PCI-Express add-inns?
I'm pretty sure the HW specs check for vista, but if someone would summarize what's known about what's needed, it would certainly be nice...

abs512

HW specs for Vista that I know:

64-bit processor
1.5Ghz+ Processor
A good deal of RAM

(PS I dont know what you mean by TPM but I'm sure someone else here does)

This link should be helpful for anyone planning a new computer that will run Vista:
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/w [...] .mspx#ECAA
MS System builder
Enterprise Planning Guidelines for Windows Vista PCs

Sure but what's TPM?

what? now you need a new hardware for a new OS????
thank god, linux exists...

back to the topic, any computer you will buy now will do, just make sure you've got enough amount of memory in RAM and in the graphics card. moreover, get an AMD 64 CPU, its all i can advise you.

Quite clearly any computer with over 1.5Ghz and 512Mgs. RAM will run Vista including 32 bit systems. To do the WDDM (I don't know TPM) or AERO glass effect which is actually I think the coolest feature of Vista you will need a new graphics card. as in Windows upgrades in the past it's about memory, and I think really one gig will be the bare minimum, not 512. Lower end systems that run XP OK will mostly all work with Vista albeit with some of the graphics and memory features disabled.

TPM means trusted Platform Module and is required by some Windows Vista functions like secure start-up or full volume encription. But it could also be used for things like DRM and stuff, as a kind of serial number is inprinted into the mobo, making every rigg unique, like the IMEI on cellphones or DNA on living beings...

I am current'y Beta testing Windows Vista, and I can tell you that you need a CPU with at least 1.5 Ghz, At least 512 MB of RAM (Though I advise 1 GB or even 2 GB), and a modern GPU. Vista will be taxing on your video card (If you want to see all the eye-candy).