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Dialog above doesn’t make any sense does it? Welcome to Windows Vista…
I’ve been holding off blogging on The Inquirer’s piece on Vista being a failure, but wanted to throw my 2 cents into the hat as it seems to be making the rounds.
The premise of what The Inquirer is saying is the two most damning nails in the coffin:
- Dell was forced, by it’s users, to add Windows XP back to the available OS list when buying a new computer even though Microsoft puts a huge amount of pressure on OEMs to make adoption of Vista mandatory.
- Microsoft creates a Windows + Office bundle for like $3 in Asia to combat the horrific sales numbers. The idea here being similar to what they did in the 90s, making Windows easy-as-sin to pirate, so everyone got it on their machines. The problem here is that instead of using Vista as the viral entity here, they are sticking with Windows XP. Another declaration by Microsoft that Vista just isn’t “there yet” enough to push it.
So based on Microsoft’s own actions for one of the largest budding technical markets and user-demand, I’d have to say Vista was SOD (shit on delivery).
My own experiences with running Vista have been on par with most other folks. It’s a confusing mess of crap. To the point that you just want to ignore it and wait for the next release… it really is trash.
Update #1: Looks like Microsoft is offering upgrade-pricing to every single person that ever ran a beta or release-candidate of their OS. You know, cause it’s flying off the shelves.
Update #2: According to Microsoft Vista sales are blowing up… interesting. Is this marketing doing it’s job or for real? If it’s for real, the number of crash reports being sent back to Microsoft I hope are going to find their way into SP1.
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April 25th, 2007 at 5:03 am
Just one case but my experience with Vista has been successful. Only awaiting one driver upgrade (stat package) and am using all software with no issues. Aesthetically pleasing interface, great manager for video/music. bit of time to get used to interface but I would recommend, at least when buying a new machine which was my path (Dell XPS recent purchase).
April 25th, 2007 at 5:40 am
panj,
Have you had any stability issues with programs you are using that may not be completely vista compatible yet?
Any 3d-driver issues? Sound card issues?
April 25th, 2007 at 8:48 am
Cannot run SPSS version 15, patch on way this month. My machine is only 3 months old and configured by Dell with Vista so unlikely any problems with drivers, obviously. However, I have a lot of legacy software, ran Turbotax, etc. with no problems so far. I did have to download one driver for my home network–for the router–but very straightforward. Also, Dell provides Belkin cable for easy transfer from XP to Vista (eg. all my old tax forms came right up in new version on new machine!). Running a number of games with no problems either. Maybe just lucky.
April 25th, 2007 at 8:57 am
panj,
Thanks for following up… there is so much Vista bashing going on (and my own negative experiences) that I really want to hear more about the ’successful’ side of things.
Would you say you like Vista and it’s a usability improvement or are you just happy it’s not breaking on you?
Do the security prompts start to get frustrating after a while?
Any limitations?
Has the reorganization of the different properties menus and Control Panel been frustrating at all to you?
April 26th, 2007 at 4:53 am
1. I do prefer the interface to XP, not just happy it is not crashing. The aesthetics are attractive, other usability aspects are effective–upgrades with Media Center are very nice. If I had the XBOX 360 I would really maximize interface with multimedia options. Thinking hard on that option.
2. Only “security prompt” I need to change is actually from a Dell bundled product PC Penicillin I believe.
3. The Dell platform I got is at 2MB memory and a significant video card–at work and for some reason can’t remember specifics! getting old I guess. For example, I am running a new game (C&C 3) at maximum resolution on a Gateway 22inch HD monitor–no slowdowns in game, etc., so I know I have a loaded system. I would hate to run Vista on less than 2mb given preference for max graphics.
4. The reorg did take some time as I never do the tutorials, read the guides (unfortunately). For example, shutting down the system was not obvious from just clicking the start menu, had to find on another drop down. Also, learning Ofice 2007 new interfaces at same time so that was more of a challenge.
Really like the transparencies aspect and the right border with the new items (forgot name) where you can customize display icons on news, time, etc. The community is really doing some creative work here to provide useres with all sorts of tailored options.
Been great so far but I must say I was worried most on drivers for my network, but as I said, I had only to download one driver and was on my way.
I do have to comment that MS is really seen as the big insensitive market bully and prompts a great deal of initial negative press. I do know that my worksite, however, has found some bugs with old legacy systems and will await some new drivers before even considering Vista. Also, cannot underestimate my easy experience being helped by getting a new machine configured by Dell to be compatible with Vista. Cheers and good luck.
April 26th, 2007 at 8:09 am
panj,
I really appreciate you following up with your own experiences and hearing the other side of the story. I’m glad it’s working out for you.
I may wait until SP1 and give it another shot.
June 6th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Nice…
June 19th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
I just got an Acer machine with the chipsets I wanted but, I got the consumer level Aspire rather than an FH.
Vista was not my wish and it has proven to be an even bigger POS tonight than in the past few days.
I don’t know who or where the Vista Easy Transfer sprang from but that is a shit mess waiting to happen. Lessee, how do I put this? It flat out DOES NOT WORK.
June 19th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
I know what upgrade I am going to get. I an going to wipe this disk clean, return it and buy a MAC.
June 19th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Michael,
That’s been the sentiment of 3 of my friends as well after using Vista work machines (return and get a Mac)
It’s amazing what a company *can’t* do with a $1 billion dollar R&D budget and god-knows-how-many-billions in development and marketing
June 29th, 2007 at 7:06 pm
Nice!