If I was going to buy a new desktop pc and a new laptop, should I get Vista are XP as the operating system? Is Rockwell ready for Vista yet? Trying to get ahold of my rockwell guy today.

Definitely get Windows XP Professional SP2.

Even though some manufacturers have had Vista betas for a while, virtually nobody except Microsoft will be "Vista Ready" on launch day. Rockwell will not begin testing any products against Vista until after Vista launches.

Thanks Ken. XP SP2 it is!

I think answer is NO, check here:
http://rockwellautomation.custhelp.com/cgi...p?p_faqid=35644

Well I am in the process of buying a new desktop (to go in the control room in our TX facility next to a ControlLogix and PV+) and a new notebook (for me to use between the two facilities). I am going to buy both new. Problem is...you can not get a new Dell machine with anything other than Vista. My IT guy said that I should look at HP. I have previously chatted with my Rockwell guy to see what, if they do, Rockwell recommends for programming terminals. He of course spec'd out a Dell with XP Pro. For some reason I am having trouble deciding what the necessities for building these two machines should be. What are the major things to consider when running RSLogix 5000, 500, PanelBuilder32, RSView ME, RSLinx? I am using Ethernet IP, DH485 (with PIC driver), DF1 for communications. Biggest problem I am having is that I have never had the luxury of building my own programming computers before. I have always been given the 3rd or 4th generation hand-me-downs from sales people or accounting! Just had to "make them work". With so many options it seems a bit overwhelming. Any tips or suggested machines would be great.
Thanks
Rob

My main two concerns are always the same, with desktops and laptops both.
Get as much ram as you can, get as large a display as you can.

At least here in NZ, the Dell site will still sell selected models of desktop and notebook with XP Pro



Go for as much RAM and hard disk as you can afford.
Make sure you get a notebook with a real serial port or your PIC will never work.

I thought that you could still get XP Pro too, but today my IT guy and I used the live chat tech support and they said that all "new" Dell machines come only with Vista. We did look at some of the pre ordered and refurbished that they offer. Those still have XP.



I have heard alot of talk about this subject. Will a usb to serial converter work the same?

Six reasons why Vista is not good from Yahoo News

No. Some people have had success with a PMCIA serial adaptor.
If your new notebook doesn't have a serial port, your best solution for DH485 comms is to get the AB 1747-UIC USB to DH485 adaptor.