I have been using Windows XP x64 edition since it was launched several months ago. Overall, the move has ben fairly transparent, and has been rock solid. If I had to rate the system compared to other Windows systems, I would put it just below Windows XP (32-bit). The reason for the slight downgrade is because the driver support is not quite there yet. I expected this to some degree, and can accept that... However, what I have a hard time accepting is the lack of support for Windows XP x64 from Microsoft.
There are a few common issues found when scouring the web about x64 issues. For example, as of today there is little full featured support for a large number of printers (HP), Adobe Acrobat cannot create documents via printing, lack of defragmentation support (Diskeeper, PerfectDisk) and so it goes. I admit, I cut these companies some slack because they are not the ones making, promoting and selling the operating system... Microsoft is.
As with prior operating system upgrades, I had expected Microsoft to step forward first and support their own system. That has not been the case for Windows XP x64. Sure, Office will run, as do most applications from companies that designed XP compliant applications and avoided hard-coding. No, what I am talking about is the lack of IntelliPoint and IntelliType software for Windows XP x64. In short, if you spend your $104 on a new Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite like I did, you will not be able to use any of the features above the most basic typing and clicking. That fancy tilt wheel that enables you to jog sideways? No. The programmable keys? No. I could go one, but basically any feature not found in the run of the mill keyboard and mouse is gone. Why? Because Microsoft has not released new IntelliType or IntelliPoint software.
I have searched far and wide for an answer as to when the software which justifies a $100+ purchase will be available. I have contacted Microsoft support, posted on x64 forums, and even begged Microsoft evangelist Robert Scoble for an answer... The result after 3 months? Nothing. I have heard other people wondering the same thing... I was told by Microsoft support there might be something soon - but that was in early May? I have read rumors for 2 months about a rumor of something soon. I have even heard excuses about the products being made by a third party so Microsoft cannot help it?!?! As a customer that has purchased Microsoft keyboards/ mice for years, I do not accept that as an acceptable answer. If it has Microsoft stamped on it, and is sold as a Microsoft product, then Microsoft needs to get this problem solved.
Logitech has x64 bit support... but while Microsoft pushes upgrades and trade-ins to get people to move to x64, there is no support for their own most basic hardware of mouse and keyboard.
Furthermore, I do not believe most people differentiate between versus the various XP editions. If you visit the download page for mouse and keyboard drivers, you are simply asked to select your OS as Windows XP. There is no Windows XP Home, Windows XP Pro, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP Tablet PC and so on. To the average consumer, if you spend $100+ dollars on a Microsoft keyboard and mouse which says it works with Windows XP, that means any of those. I have not tested the IntelliPoint/ IntelliType software on all of those system, but I bet they work. The point being, it is supposed to work with Windows XP including Windows XP x64 as it is labeled.
Finally, what is the solution? Other than having the drivers updated to work with XP x64, all I have been asking for is a firm answer to "when". When will we customers be able to fully use our keyboard and mice. Most of us can accept software not being available immediately, but what at least I cannot accept is an estimate as to "when".
I have aprinter all in one hp 1210 not work with xp x64.
WHY?
Posted by: RAFAEL | Mar 5, 2006 9:33:46 PM