Blog . Jiboneus

Finally, it is Microsoft’s time to get under the lime light. Their long awaited flagship product is here. The new version of their operating system, Windows Vista. “The ‘Wow’ starts now.” I don’t think they meant World of Warcraft. I’m still recovering from “the social“.

Even with the Vista launch, it seems as if Microsoft is still under Apple’s shadow. On the MSNBC’s Today Show, they introduced Bill Gates by showing clips of Steve Jobs and some of Apple’s new products. How much of OSX did Vista copy? Poor Bill Gates just can’t ran away from that question.

Will everybody go rushing out to get the new Vista? I don’t think so. Just like their previous OS, Windows XP, the transition to Vista will be gradually. Most machines people are using right now aren’t even fit to run Vista.

Surprisingly the current machine that are fit to run Vista is a Mac. Those new Intel based Mac. Someone from Microsoft at norway was caught giving a Vista demo on a TV show using an iMac. With Boot Camp and Parallels, Intel based Macs run Vista better than most current PC out there. Cult of the Mac has a pretty fair review of Vista running on Mac Pro.

I might be on the other camp, but as a geek, I would want to try out Vista. I’ve tried tons of OSes (even BeOS), any OS that I can get my hand on. What I need is a machine that could run Vista smoothly with all the eye candy. Anybody wants to sponsor me a Mac Book Pro?

Buying yourself a copy of Vista on the other hand might be challenging, with all the options Microsoft has for you. There are currently 5 or so editions of Vista: -

Windows Vista Enterprise

Designed to significantly lower IT costs and risks, Windows Vista Enterprise meets the needs of large, global organizations with complex IT infrastructures.

I don’t think this is the edition you would want unless you run large corporation.

Windows Vista Business

Windows Vista Business is the first edition of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You’ll spend less time on technology support-related issues—so you can spend more time making your business successful. Windows Vista Business is the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow

I didn’t read anything about this Vista edition comes with Microsoft Office (the new Office looks interesting by the way). Office apps separately?

Windows Vista Home Basic

Windows Vista Home Basic is ideal for homes with basic computing needs like e-mail, browsing the Internet, and viewing photos. Easy to set up and maintain, it enables you to quickly find what you’re looking for on your PC and the Internet, while providing a more secure environment to help protect you from an unpredictable world.

For the folks who use their computers for surfing, e-mail,viewing photo. Vista lite?

Windows Vista Home Premium

Windows Vista Home Premium is the preferred edition for home desktop and mobile PCs. It provides a breakthrough design that brings your world into sharper focus while delivering the productivity, entertainment, and security you need from your PC at home or on the go.

Apparently your can do more here than Home Basic edition, but not fit to run a business on this? You will need Vista Business edition for that.

Windows Vista Ultimate

Windows Vista Ultimate is the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun.

Now this is the vista edition you would want to get. It has everything.

There are also other versions such as Vista Business Upgrade, Vista Home Basic Upgrade, Vista Home Premium Upgrade, Vista Ultimate Upgrade and Vista Ultimate Limited Signature edition, signed by none other then the man himself, Bill Gates.

Why didn’t Microsoft just sells this one Vista edition? Just make the Ultimate edition as the only version of Vista. This is another fine example of what Microsoft does best, which is making things more complicated that it already is. Joy of tech has a nice comic strip regarding this.

There will be a Vista launch event at Low Yat Plaza on 3 & 4 February. Check it out if you are looking to test run Vista. Some highlights on the event are: -

• Microsoft Windows Vista Launch ceremony at 8pm on 3 February.
• Amazing Vista Walk Hunt on 3 Feb from 5.15pm to 7.45pm, and stand a chance to win a limited edition signed copy of Windows Vista by Bill Gates.
• Visit the Evolutionary Pearl Discovery Showcase with 7 scenarios; Digital Memories, TV & Movies, Gaming, Music, Communication & Mobility, Productivity, Data Backup & Security
• Experience Vista Ready computers
• Live performance by hip hop / rap group - K Town Clan, winner of Hitz.TV’s Blastoff 2006 competition.
• Pick up some new dance steps at our funky dance workshops. (..huh? what?!)

Sounds like a party.

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