QOTD: Are You Going 32 or 64-bit for Windows 7?
If you have more 4 GB or more RAM, the answer should be clear to you already.
In times past, going with a 64-bit OS was a bit of an extravagance. Sure, you were on the cutting edge of things – ahead of the curve, even – but there were issues and compromises.
In many cases, going 64-bit didn't make sense unless you had piles of RAM. But now that systems are coming with more memory than a 32-bit OS can address, suddenly going with more bits makes more sense.
Some of you may already be running a 64-bit version of Windows (or some other OS), while other are still chugging along in 32-bit land with a portion of your 4 GB of RAM sitting unloved.
No matter the case, you're going to have to make a choice if and when you upgrade to Windows 7 – that that's which version of the OS you're going with. Thankfully, both 32- and 64-bit versions are included in the same package, so you won't have to commit one way or another until you pop the disc in the drive.
Being the tech savvy bunch that you are, we suspect that you've already made up your mind on 32- vs. 64-bit Windows 7. You might even be running that very version of the RC right not.
So, our QOTD is: Are You Going 32- or 64-bit for Windows 7?
Here's a little recap of the Windows 7 news from the week:
- Latest Windows 7 Leak Claims to be RTM
- Windows 7 Home Premium Won't Have Backup
- Windows 7 Upgrade Discounted Preorders Hit UK
- Steve Ballmer Has 'Developers' Moment, Again
- 41 Percent Businesses Planning for Windows 7
- Discounted Win 7 on Sept. 1, for Businesses
- Microsoft: We Haven't Signed Off On Windows 7 Yet
- Win 7 Touch Pack Gives You True Multitouch
- Windows 7 Build 7600 Leaked; RTM Suspected

In my experience, this is only true on retail and upgrade versions, not OEM, unless they changed it for 7. I bought a 32 bit windows vista upgrade, and had to order the 64 bit media for 'free' + a $10 shipping and handling charge.
I am also of the opinion that 32 bit OS's are dead on the desktop. Netbook sales will keep them alive past their usefulness though
That said, 32-bit W7 RC has been running AWESOME for me. Love it. It's as stable as Vista, but with some nice UI changes.
That would be a first for me!
For notebooks and netbooks 32bit for sure!
I'm not sure as to why the Atom processor supports 64bit. It is a nice feat, but mostly unused,and perhaps unnecessary for 95-99% of the people owning it.
A 64bit OS makes little sense on a device that tries to save battery.
But for desktop, yes!
With this sentence I meant for those who use netbooks or atom-like low powered desktops.