Windows XP 64-bit officially Launched - Microsoft finally launched their
64-bit operating system today with the release of Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (
120-days trial) Also Microsoft's upgrade program info
is now online, complete with eligibility requirments and an ordering form: "In order to be eligible to receive Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, your computer must have been ordered between March 31, 2003 and July 31, 2005 with Microsoft Windows XP Pro (32 Bit) preinstalled. By participating in this program, your 32-bit version of Windows XP Professional will no longer be licensed. Cost for shipping and handling of upgrade is $12.00 USD for domestic shipments and $22.00 USD for International shipments plus any applicable taxes."
Windows XP Professional x64 Edition impressions - Some other applications, however, now display strange error messages. Apple's popular ITunes, for example, pops up a dialog when run, alerting you that the application's drivers are "valid but incompatible" with this 64-bit version of Windows. Indeed, finding compatible drivers will continue to be an issue for quite some time, and Microsoft is upfront about the fact that the
x64 platform probably won't be mainstream until Longhorn ships in 2006. However, XP x64 includes over 15,000 device drivers, more than any previous Windows version, and many more will be available on Windows Update in the near future.