Posted on 01/30/2007 12:16:33 AM PST by ShawTaylor
HUNDREDS of computer enthusiasts were in Harvey Norman's Alexandria store in South Sydney at the stroke of midnight last night to be among the first in the world to buy Microsoft's latest PC software, Windows Vista.
Prized copy: William Tsang shows his copy of Windows Vista signed by Bill Gates as he is served by Gerry Harvey at the midnight launch of the new operating system in Sydney Australia was the second market in the world, behind New Zealand, where the software was put on sale. As part of the global launch, one Harvey Norman customer walked away with a copy of Windows Vista signed by software mogul Bill Gates. A Microsoft spokeswoman said it was the only signed copy sold outside the US - the five others had been reserved for the New York launch.
Rutland Smith, general manager of Harvey Norman computers and communications, said the retailer had stacked $10million worth of Microsoft's software into its stores in preparation for the night.
The first buyers were likely to be computer hobbyists with a special interest in keeping ahead of the technology curve, Mr Smith said. "But it won't be long until it becomes more openly used by a mass audience."
It is estimated that Microsoft's Windows software is used on 90per cent of computers worldwide.
(Excerpt) Read more at australianit.news.com.au ...
Yes, you are correct, but HP sells their product with that Microsoft product in it. IMO, they own the problems that go with it.
I'm not a Microsoft hater (except for ME-I really hated that piece of crap), but I won't be running out to upgrade. I'm happy with XP right now. I'm tired of getting everything tweaked just the way I want it and then having MS want me to do it all over again with a new OS.
A signed copy of Vista? That ought to be worth something fifty years from now. Or maybe not.
You'll have to upgrade some or all of your other software, too. Best wait and buy a whole new system after we get through the infant mortality phase.
Because Steve Balmer tell us if his flagship product was failing, amirite? XD
Too late. Running Mac OSX 10.4 with Parallels. WinXP on a partition for when I absolutely need to access a recalcitrant, badly coded website. I can switch platforms in an instant.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Did you know for a fact that he hasn't used XP or Vista when you bashed him? Sounds like the blatant assertion was on your side.
Oh Ok Shawn. Tell me the major overhaul of Vista other than its 64 bit (as have been Mac and all UNIX based OS's) and that there are alot of programs and periphials that aren't supported by it?
Look, just because your a MS butt kisser, doesn't justify pissing $199 on this. So far the reviews (just like ME) have been unentusiastic!
Vista: Worthy, Largely Unexciting
PC World - Every Microsoft upgrade sets a new standard--in hype.
I went to Microsofts web page to look at their TOP 100 reasons to upgrade. I'm only listing the top 50 because the bottom 50 are just as lame! Still waiting on something that tells me this is worth $200! Vista offers a lot of improvements over Windows XP, but most of them are conveniences rather than essentials!
Heres The top 50 from the MS web site:
1. It makes using your PC a breeze
2. Because all of your music is just a remote control click away
3. It's the safest version of Windows ever (yeah right)
4. See your world in a whole new light
5. It can find your stuff
6. Because you're always on the run
7. Because you can freeze time
8. Your PC can take care of itself
9. Unchain your mobile PC
10. Surf more safely
11. Help protect your kids online
12. Schedule showtime on your time
13. Because you need to know who the bad guys are
14. Make any room a media room
15. Because your PC remembers to back up for you
16. Get your new computer up and running in no time
17. It's like having your own personal anchorman
18. Create your own personal archive
19. Watch live TV on your PC
20. Set up your home network in a flash
21. Put more playtime in family time
22. See everything you're working on at a glance
23. Because it's like a digital candy store
24. Because you don't want to worry about spyware
***25. It works with the software, hardware, and services you want
26. Because you're a multitasker
27. Because your computer can keep up with you while you're on the go
28. Enjoy your memories, larger than life
29. Take the handwritten approach
30. Restore your PC in an instant
31. Because your PC lets you know if something's wrong—and helps you fix it
32. Streamline IT management across your business
33. Preserve a lifetime of memories
34. Connect to the network at work or school
35. Because you'll know it when you see it
36. Get a "do-over" when you need it
37. Keep your info under lock and key v 38. It's the cure for red-eye
39. Relive your memories…each and every one
40. Because you love what you do
41. Because your PC will stay up to date, automatically
42. E-mail your photos without worrying about the file size
43. It's parent friendly
44. Because you have a need for speed
45. Because you hate all those boxes and wires
46. Your music can look as good as it sounds
47. Let the fun start now
48. Stay connected wherever you go
49. Take your workspace with you
50. Get more out of the web
Oh and the disclaimer is great: Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.
So now it $199, plus more RAM and not sure which of my software and periphials will work or not on the first release of a software! No thanks!
I have been trying for the last two weeks to get a new computer (ours is about to crash). Weekend before last it was hard to get anyone to help at Best Buy (too busy). You could buy a computer and got a coupon for Vista. This past weekend they wouldn't sell any computers because Vista was coming out Tuesday.
I went to Best Buy this morning. There was a crowd waiting at the doors before open. All were there to buy new computers (me included). Got what I wanted and left 3 hours later. Warning: It takes about an hour to boot the computer the first time with Vista. They'll do it in the store for you and it's free check.
I could care less about Vista. I just needed a new computer.
The value proposition of any feature is in the eye of the beholder, I suppose. Things I see value in don't necessarily apply to you. There's nothing wrong with that. Here are a few of my favorite features:
- Desktop composition: Programs don't control their windows, so if an application hangs it doesn't leave a hole in my desktop and can even be minimized.
- Shadow copy support: Just last week my daughter over-wrote a homework assignment by mistake. Using the new "Previous Versions" functionality, I was able to restore her assignment instantly.
- Fast user switching for domain-joined machines (not applicable to most, but I run a 2003 SBS here at home.
- Search: No more digging through the Start menu to find something. I just what I'm looking for into the search bar and it'll find it for me.
And best of all, my wife and daughter don't have to run as Administrator anymore.
Let's see. Here is a partial list of some "Apple fan sites" that have published less than stellar reviews of Vista:
I really can't think of anything I would want that badly.
Um.....you replied to the wrong person.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.