If you've watch Windows history closely, each version of Windows is better then in predeccesor in some way. The 9x family though riddled with problems was a pretty good OS. Windows 95 was a god-send as it introduced plug and play, Windows 98 brought the ability to watch tv on a pc and finally made desktops copetitive with gaming consoles. Windows ME sucked compared to Windows 98SE but for those it did work for it offer many enhancements over Windows 98. It was however unsuccessful at bridging the gap to Windows 2000. Windows 2000 toughted as the most stable Windows release ever was a professional OS. But since so many flocked to it, Microsoft was force to release Windows XP earlier then planned because they need backwards hardware/software compatibility. Everyone hared Windows XP Didn't like teh color scheme since it introduced 3D 'eyecandy effects'. Windows XP/2000 brought a better file system to handle larger drive natively.
ost people who upgraded to Vista in at least 50% of the cases didn't need to for several eason. Which in fact were the same reasons many should have left Windows 9x for XP. Underpowered systems, the need to use older programs and the list goes on. Most people who have the PROPER systems for running Vista aren't have no more probles then they did with XP. We all know MS rushed Vista to beat Apple at the new OS punch.Caving in to Intel was another problem in qualifying improper chipsets. History will simply repeat because ppl with underpowered hoods are going to try to leap to Windows 7 andinherit teh sae problems. And they will be the ones crying as you are that this OS is no better then teh previous. Its a neverending cycle.
With a few acceptions, if you purchased a desktop/laptop that came with Vista Premium or better, then you will be able to run Windows 7 period. If your system came with Windows XP, and it wasn't because you chose to downgrade teh OS, then that system should use nothing nore then what it came with. Fact, S and OEM's suggest if you plan to move to a new OS, strongly consider buying a system with it preinstalled. Sure it makes them money, but fact is teh system has been designed for the OS has been tested and should work almost flawlessly. Which in most cases it does. Its only after stupidity takes over and ppl bring them home and gunk them up with software and cracks that they shouldn't be using.
I've been playing with the beta using VMware and though it looks promising, i'm not yet convinced its actually better. But it is too early. I am one of the few who are Vista Satisfied and I don't have to have the next new thing. I skipped some versions of Windows purposely to avoid problems. I Went from Windows 95 to Windows Me > XP > Vistaand I don't see a Windows 7 benefit at this point. And my system is fast enough and upgradable enough to run at least the next 2 OS's before I need to upgrade.
Back to teh article. I like the fantasy laptop. But with ppl complaining about 5lbs being to heavy it is obvious you can't add to any gizmos. If you're looking for a desktop replacment, then you can expect the laptop will have substancia size and weight. I would say dual screens, definitely won't make the ultra-portable scene.
Sony has a full pocket sized portable that runs Windows XP and could run Vista...the Sony UX - MicroPC. - Small also means expensive and manufacturing parts to micro size is expensive. Sony's lil toy is still close to $1000 brand new and about $600 refurbished, which puts it in the Asus EE range.
Looks like PDA's are the true ultra-portables as Windows and Pla based ones offer very good program to editiing Office documents, use of larger flash drives, offer GPS, wifi, qwerty...and so much more. Imagine what a phone will be able to do once Intel drops in a CPU as powerful as the P4. Its coming...and laptops could one day be the dinosaurs of technology.
And as stated, desktops still offer more as upgrading is possible and is cheaper. The fact you can't take it with you is its only drawback. I'm glad you can't. Watching ppl in theatres who spent $22.00 to see a movie only to sit and play with there iphone for 45 mins of teh ovie time is just stupid.
