>>On older hardware....I've only ever said that 64-bit makes sense on new hardware (and I'll qualify that....where the mfgr either had a base 64-bit OS to begin with, and/or supports 64-bit....obviously you wouldn't randomly take a machine you bought 2 years ago and try to slap a 64-bit OS on it)
>
>Actually I wasn't really referring to the actual computer hardware but peripherals (printers, scanners and other external ICs) that are problematic. Built in stuff, if it's reasonably new should hopefully work (but there are always those pesky Audio and Video drivers that are a pain).
>
>>You're right....there are far more units out there for sale with 64-bit installed. :)
>
>Hardly. Few desktop machines today ship with 64 bit by default and 64 bit is an upgrade at best.
>
>>Those 1-2 apps are often where I spend a good part of my time :)
>
>Which would be what exactly? You think running the SQL Server UI in 64 bit is really going to give you a perf advantage? :-}
>
>Tell me one application that is MUST HAVE for the desktop that is 64 bit. Until that time comes where there are more applications that are 64 bit than 32 bit or at the very least there are a few only 64 bit apps I don't think 64 bit has any sort of urgency factor on the desktop.
>
>+++ Rick ---

I'll agree with the potential problems with peripherals. I bought my 72 year old mother a laptop and the only problems were the peripherals she already had so we searched for 32-bit systems. She didn't want to give up her favorite scanner. Just 4 months ago when we were searching for laptops out of the box, the majority of the machines with dual core came with 64-bit Vista. I had a difficult time finding one with 32-bit.

Update: just realized you wrote 'desktop machines.' :o) that'll teach me to pay closer attention.