Question Is Windows on ARM Here to Stay?

[Crag_Hack]

Hi just wondering if Windows on ARM is going to stick around in the long term. I'm contemplating getting a new Snapdragon laptop for my dad; I just want to make sure it's going to stay supported for the lifetime of the computer. Thanks!

 

[COLGeek]

It does seem like it will be around going forward. Buy why are you considering it?

 

[Crag_Hack]

Dell Inspirons only come with 16 GB RAM, XPS 15s are unavailable, HP Pavilion 15" are out of stock, can't find an ASUS 15" for less than 1k$ available at a retailer other than Amazon which practices deceptive sales tactics selling computers, however I found the MS Surface for affordable with 32 GB RAM snapdragon CPU and an ASUS as well affordable with 32 GB RAM and snapdragon CPU. I don't like to patronize Lenovo being Chinese... That summarizes the situation. Interesting situation to be in with all these complications. This is for my dad though who only does email/web/office so snapdragon shouldn't' be a problem.

 

[COLGeek]

For what you described, 16GB should be more than enough.

 

[ohio_buckeye]

Do what you want I guess. We ordered a Microsoft Surface Pro X for an executive at work. It had a Snapdragon cpu in it. Ended up having to return it. The antivirus/vpn software was not compatible.

Not a huge fan of Apple, but I’ll give them credit, their Rosetta software that helps x86 applications run on Apple silicon seems to work pretty well. Microsoft should take note and develop something similar.

In my opinion there’s potential with the arm CPUs but Microsoft really needs to develop a software converter similar to Apple’s Rosetta for applications to be compatible. Until then stay with x86 imo.

 

[wyliec2]

For what you described, 16GB should be more than enough.

Agree with this comment!! For stated usage, 16 GB should be fine and opens up many laptop options at or below your price target.

 

[Crag_Hack]

@ohio_buckeye I actually used windows on arm in vmware fusion on a client's computer and was able to get two ancient 95 or so era programs running via emulation. Donno how capable the emulation layer is though.

@COLGeek @wyliec2 32 would be ideal but i guess 16 will have to do for now. The local tech shop had a funny idea... upgrade the memory then if you need to warranty the computer put the original memory back in without the manufacturer knowing anything lol