EDIT 18/6/2012: This article was written in 2009, and the spec for my machine then was fairly decent. Now, it’s pathetically out-dated. I am just spec’ing up a new machine which I intend to build during the next month or so.
I’ve been using the evaluation version of Windows 7 and I’ve got to say it is incredibly stable, based on my own experiences. But I’ve just installed the XP Mode functionality, and I’m blown away.
One piece of software I regret losing (unless I use my old XP system) is Flash MX . I had regularly upgraded my version of Flash, but when Adobe took over Macromedia , it simply became impossible to justify the cost. In keeping with Adobe’s pricing policy, I would have had to hand over close to £400, 4 pints of blood, and probably both kidneys in order to upgrade any further. And when Vista came along, Flash MX ceased to work.
But anyway, I was aware of the so-called ‘XP Mode’ that Windows 7 was going to contain. So I downloaded and installed the necessary files from Microsoft’s site. Installation was very quick – this is something I have noticed with Windows 7 : it is very fast compared with Vista.
Flash MX installed first time and it works like a dream. XP Mode obviously isn’t as fast as plain old XP on a dedicated machine (it is a virtual machine), but it is perfectly usable.
You need to have a decent spec for your PC to get the best out of it. Mine’s running a quad core processor with 4GB RAM, and has a 8800 GTS video card – but as long as your processor can handle VT functionality you should be OK.
Microsoft was doing a special offer until recently, where you could pre-order Windows 7 Professional for £99.99. The email they sent me suggested Windows 7 Ultimate would only be available to OEM builders. However, it turns out that you can pre-order Ultimate for £199.99 or delivery October 22. I’ve put my order in already – I’m glad I missed that special offer deadline, as I was going to pre-order the Pro version.
In Europe, Windows 7 is shipping without Internet Explorer – the E version – and there’s also a version without Windows Media Player – the N version. Bloody stupid EU!
I want a PC I can use, not one I can boast about having Linux on to my idiot mates.
EDIT 30/09/2009: I’ve noticed a few people searching for the preorder deadline . Microsoft did offer a special price if you preordered before a certain date, but this expired in early August. I missed it myself, but I am glad I did – the offer was only for the basic and professional editions, as I was given to believe that the Ultimate edition would only be available to system builders. It turns out you WILL be able to buy the Ultimate edition.
I have preordered mine, and it is due for delivery on or after 22 October 2009 (the release date). You can preorder the other versions too (click here for the Microsft order page (out of date) or here for the (cheaper) Amazon page (out of date)) – but not with any special pricing that I am aware of. The Ultimate edition is priced at just under £200.
EDIT 18/4/2011: Just for completeness, I am using XP mode on my Windows 7 Ultimate system (and have been since Windows 7 was launched) and it is incredible.