User Review: Inspired by Windows Vista + Casino Royale

[f_alejandro]

User Review: Inspired by Windows Vista + Casino Royale

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/aero_mini_2.jpg

Good day mates, I just wanna share this mini review about my 12-day experience with Windows Vista. Thanks to brad and Robbie who showed their interest on sharing their experiences with Vista, and to our Vista Beta tester, Jayesh. And of course to Jose who posted articles about Vista.

In addition, I just watched James Bond 007 Casino Royale two weeks ago (at last, just got a time now) and quite inspired added the benefit of Windows Vista being introduced in the movie (Vista send email box with progress bar appeared while bond is sending his resignation at MI6 and faded away with aero interface.). And Of course who will forget the laptop he is using. Read on...

Snapshot of Vista interface with e-mail progress bar
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/007_vista.jpg

Here’s the content of my Vista Experience Review
1. Forewords
2. Unboxing Jame’s Bond ‘Real Computer’ for Vista Experience Test
3. Installing and Warming up Windows Vista
4. The Vista Experience
4.1. Aero Interface: Beauty and Sophistication
4.2. Speed and Performance
4.3. Additional Software, Productivity Tools and Added Enhancements
4.4. Behind the Scene: Security Feature Enhancement
4.5. The Game Experience and Wow Entertainment
4.6. Networking with Vista5. Compatibility Issues
6. Errors / Bugs and Resolution / Service Pack
7. Nokia PC Suite Version 6.83 and N91-8Gb on Vista
8. Conclusion

[f_alejandro]

1. Forewords

It has been a very hard decision for me to get involve with Vista rather than the much anticipated Nokia N95. Remembering some fellows here whom I spoke with especially Jayesh, I really have to sit the N95 out and wait for a better phone next to this cool device and see to it if the N95 really meets what a cell phone enthusiast wants and needs. Weighing things up, I am already at ease and satisfied using my N91 8GB and my ugly N93. So no N95 for me for the meantime, perhaps N95i later. :)

Deciding which notebook to buy for an upgrade to replace my three-year old VAIO (for i feel quite obsolete) and to utilize the most anticipated Operating System of 2007, I have gone through with three models/brands to see the vista wow features. My first in the list was the Asus A8Jr and least expensive of the three. I have chosen this model for the benefit of giving a budget for the Nokia N95 but have decided to sit N95 out as suggested by Jayesh. So having gone through the mall for notebook hunting, I saw the Dell XPS M1210. I really like it but the screen at 12.1” seems to be very small for I am switching from a 16.1”-screen VAIO GRT390 to a lesser screen size. So I passed on with the M1210. My last and final resort and to stay with VAIO brands, was the new super-thin and light-weight SZ48, a VAIO SZ series carbon fiber premium laptop as seen in James Bond 007 Casino Royale. This is the most expensive out of the three. But remembering that I dropped my interest with the N95, I can now buy it without worrying about the budget. Don’t be mislead also coz VAIO T007 James Bond model is not the laptop used in the movie. Rather, the SZ premium models from the Bahamas shooting to the end of the movie.

Some snapshots from James Bond Casino Royale

Bond hacking his own company’s MI6 System using SZ1xx
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/007_1.jpg

James and his lover and SZ on boat, Montenegro
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/007_2.jpg

2. Unboxing James Bond’s ‘Real Computer’ for Vista Experience Test

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/vaio1copy.jpg


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/vaio2copy.jpg

Sony VAIO SZ48GN Premium :: Carbon Fiber shell | Intel Core 2 Duo/T7400/2.16GHz* | 4MB L2 SmartCache | 160Gb SATA HDD with G-Sensor Shock | DVD Burner | 1Gb DDR2 | nVidia GeForce Go7400 | Wi-Fi | Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR | Biometric Finger Print Scanner + TPM 1.2 | Hybrid Dual Graphic System

Click here for a complete specification (http://vaio-online.sony.com/prod_info/vgn-sz48gn_c/)

* Upgraded upon purchase

Hardware Outline Information:

The VAIO SZ48 (updated versions of SZ3 models with XP) powered by Vista Business is one of the lightest laptops in the market weighing approximately 1.6 kilograms for pleasure mobility. The SZ48 has a wide 13.3” screen configuration in a carbon fiber case for endurance and maximum LCD protection and to reduce the weight as well compared with other SZ standard models having magnesium shells. An uncoated brushed aluminium palmrest is also a good design for sweaty hands and thereby no such paint will be dodged or erased after long time use. The Graphic Hybrid System allows you to switch between stamina mode and speed mode – works effectively by switching from the native Intel 945GM video card and the Nvidia Go7400 GPU card. On stamina mode, I have achieved 4.5 hours of pleasure mobility with the shipped battery pack. On speed mode 2.5 hours is achieved.

[f_alejandro]

3. Installing and Warming up Windows Vista

After powering on the unit, I was taken to the first-run screen of Windows Vista indicating the installation of the operating system itself including driver utilities. The installation is being executed from a hidden partition - a common approach from Sony VAIO notebook setups. The installation screen is so simple and straightforward having only few lines of paraphrases such as the “wow” experiences with Vista.

After waiting for approximately 15 minutes for the OS installation to finish, Windows Vista then installed the next set of software which took a longer period of time such as demo programs and utility software specially designed for the notebook model. After the process has been fully established and executed, the Welcome screen is shown and the utility software for the biometric fingerprint reader together with the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) security chip will ask the user to register or enrol fingerprint signature to the database (inside the HD) or one to twenty-one unique finger key signature (inside the biometric hardware module itself) which is an optional feature. Another added benefit is to optionally register a finger print registration during opening your computer before the OS loads. See figure below:

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/finger.jpg

[f_alejandro]

4. The Windows Vista Experience

Overtime, reading many negative reviews about Windows Vista on the web has turned me off from Vista. Until recently brad and robii shared their experiences with vista and has pulled my attention again with the latest operating system from Microsoft. And of course Casino Royale pulled it off once and for all. So far, here’s my 12-day experience with Vista Business.

4.1 Aero Interface: Beauty and Sophistication – The new redesigned interface is way much better than Windows XP, Robbie is right, the more you use Windows XP, the more it looks like a Windows 2000 with skin, but this is merely a personal opinion and preference as I may speak. Aero display interface is installed and activated on a computer machine that supports it upon installation. It can be disabled by selecting a different theme if one does not want Aero for such reason. I am so pleased about the Aero interface design although the Vista Transformation Pack for Windows XP looks approximately the same only without subtle fade-away window while maximizing, minimizing and closing. But Windows Aero is more powerful, immersive and more functional (of course). In Vista transformation pack for XP, when you flip between windows, only the frontal window will be accessible by mouse. If you click on one of the windows behind, you will still end up with the first window being showed after clicking it. Whereas with Aero, you can click any of the stacked window in flip mode and select it. Don’t forget also that the windows in flip-3D mode are also dynamically active while in this flip state, i.e. the progress bars and indicators are still animating just like the spectrum analyzer of windows media player 11 as shown below – a cool feature of flip 3D under Aero.

Picture below shows Aero in action with live animation display thumbnail on the taskbar.


http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/aero_thumb.jpg
(http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=aerouh4.jpg)

Flip3D in action with live dynamic display while in flip mode.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/flip3d_mini.jpg
(http://img485.imageshack.us/my.php?image=flip3dya7.jpg)

Another feature of Aero is that when the system runs out of 3D or display power, it will automatically shutdown the GUI interface and continue with minimal display enhancements. This happened to me when I simultaneously opened PhotoShop CS2, All the Microsoft Office Suite, Windows Media and WinAmp while burning a DVD altogether. An interesting fact to note also is that Aero is deactivated if certain software is not compatible with the display engine. It switches to Vista Basic display interface. Say Limewire and Cyberlink PowerDVD 6.0 (activated after clicking play for a new player window).

They say the Aero is merely an eye-candy. But in my opinion, it’s more than this. One person working on this interface just like me favours the nice looking semi transparent window parts and subtle fade-shrink window animation as I work. This adds a little entertainment and thus making works fun and engaging. The smooth window animation also helps the eyes on focusing which window has been closed, minimized or maximized.

The Aero dynamic design needs more memory and video card resources that is why most computers lacking these hardware requirements will likely not be able to experience the aero dynamic interface. In my opinion, the Aero interface, unlike other emulated look-a-like effect uses dynamic animation procedures from the GDI and DirectX interfaces to draw subtle animation and hollow-transparent windows. You can imagine Aero is like a game loaded into the system while this interface is currently active. Windows Vista Business comes with a DirectX 10 graphics interface modules.

[f_alejandro]

4.2 Speed and Performance – The boot process of Windows Vista as in my case is fast. Only three or four progress slides loads windows vista at will. Of course this will depend on how many start-up programs are currently being loaded and the hardware involve in the process. But despite of all the programs I have installed, boot up is still approximately the same only this time five to six times loops of the progress boot-up loader indicator. Although the system loads the sidebar and it’s gadgets slowly, you can instantly use Windows as usual by loading other software applications. When you load an application say Microsoft Word 2007, it’s like your pulling an open program from the taskbar because of the speed. Often times, the splash screen will only show in a split second. Adobe Acrobat 7 nearly does not show plugin page loading. Adobe PhotoShop CS2 also loads in 4 to 5 second start-up time. Again, just like pulling an open application from the taskbar. This is a significant improvement over previous Windows versions. Maybe it’s because of the CPU and the extra 4Mb L2 SmartCache whose doing the thing compared with other Core2Dou with only 2MB of Level2 cache.

A reminder, Vista will be fast if your hardware setup is also fast. The speed is handled using a new algorithm for managing memory and loaded applications. But i have read through some commentaries that Microsoft will release a Service Pack 1 which will make Vista loads and shutdown faster. But how much faster will I get if I somehow downgrade to XP? Anyway, another performance advantage of using Vista is the new SuperFetch technology that will be discussed later.

System Performance Benchmarking / Windows Experience Index is another handy and informative feature for which you can test your current hardware configuration for optimal Vista use. An example below shows my notebook’s assessment falling under a base score of 4.0 (Determined by the lowest score).

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/performance.jpg

What’s the base score definitions by the base score? Here’s a summary of the base score system from Microsoft:
The base score represents the overall performance of your system as a whole, based on the capabilities of different parts of your computer, including random access memory (RAM), central processing unit (CPU), hard disk, general graphics performance on the desktop, and 3 D graphics capability.

Here are general descriptions of the kind of experience you can expect from a computer that receives the following base scores:
• A computer with a base score of 1 or 2 usually has sufficient performance to do most general computing tasks, such as run office productivity applications and search the Internet. However, a computer with this base score is generally not powerful enough to run Windows Aero, or the advanced multimedia experiences that are available with Windows Vista.

• A computer with a base score of 3 is able to run Windows Aero and many new features of Windows Vista at a basic level. Some of the new Windows Vista advanced features might not have all of their functionality available. For example, a machine with a base score of 3 can display the Windows Vista theme at a resolution of 1280 × 1024, but might struggle to run the theme on multiple monitors. Or, it can play digital TV content but might struggle to play High Definition Television (HDTV) content.

• A computer with a base score of 4 or 5 is able to run all new features of Windows Vista with full functionality, and it is able to support high-end, graphics-intensive experiences, such as multiplayer and 3 D gaming and recording and playback of HDTV content. Computers with a base score of 5 were the highest performing computers available when Windows Vista was released.

If a particular program or Windows Vista experience requires a higher score than your base score, you can upgrade your hardware to meet the necessary base score. If you install new hardware and want to see if you score has changed, click Update my score. To view details about the hardware on your computer, click View and print details.

[f_alejandro]

4.3 Additional Software, Productivity Tools and Added Enhancements

The search facility after clicking the Start button just like the plug-in for Windows XP from Microsoft provides very well organized and fast results compared to the latter. Perhaps the additional hardware requirements aside from the new Aero interface are for the search and index processing procedure for files inside the hard drive and other local network related resources for faster indexing and cashing.

Windows Business now includes a full pledge wide-scope, almost perfect voice recognition system. Copared with other voice recognition systems, Vista’s approach is more accurate and able to work under noisy environment with little or no error at all. I say, I’m impressed.
In addition to software enhancements, Vista now includes many improvements such as the Windows Sidebar which is very handy for displaying cool gadget from tools to entertainment. Windows Media Player 11, DVD Maker, enhanced photo gallery are also added and improved by means of straighter and simpler media organization.

Shadow copy (Business version and above only) replicates data everyday for which you can restore or retrieve at any point in time and discard outdated ones as new copies are generated. Parental control is also a cool feature for scheduling, limiting access to programs, system and network related items.

Another cool new tool is Problems and report solution wherein if a certain process has malfunctioned or unable to do things it’s made for, it will identify and reports the problem and offers a solution. Very handy indeed.

Performance enhancement can be extended further by using the SuperFetch feature. This process in laymen’s term uses an external storage device as a secondary memory-intensive access for use with Vista’s operation called a secondary virtual memory page. For example if you have a fast USB storage card or any sort of that and Vista has detected it’s capable of such operation (called ReadyBoost) it will ask you if the system can use it for a secondary memory paging file system. Windows Vista Business needs at least 256Mb of external card to use the Superfetch feature. This technique not only lessens your purchase of additional expensive memory module, but a handy and faster solution too. But remember also that a real memory module is of course faster than the SuperFetch feature.

Picture below shows Readyboost option at the last item:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/readyboost.jpg

There are a lot other software enhancement added in Windows vista. But others are minor and can be achieved or experienced with third party software. The only benefit is that, it’s integrated there rather than buying one or two software, like the new Windows e-mail, contacts and Calendar.

Another software update that will appeal to .Net developers would be Internet Information Services 7.0 along with Microsoft .Net Framework 3.0. A sidenote, if you have .Net 2.0 application that you would like to port or run under Windows Vista and IIS, you should include or manually install the support for “IIS6 Management Compatibity” under Turn Windows Feature On/Off in Control Panel.

[f_alejandro]

4.4 Behind the Scene: Security Feature Enhancement

Brad is right, not all the enhancements in Vista are merely eye candy. Security features are well built to this new operating system like the new Windows Firewall which is more intelligent and “self-aware” security system with added features like a new support for filtering both incoming and outgoing traffic. Advanced packet filter rules can be created which can grant or deny communications to specific services. I don’t like to go on with the jargons. For now, at least it works. Access to critical sub-systems such as network or any operation that will harm the working ground of vista is accessed by introducing a confirmation box or Administrator privilege rights by inputting a credential or a password/biometric entries.

Although Windows Defender is already part of Vista, I don’t think it’s a full pledge functional security feature. But I am now satisfied on how Vista communicates with third party virus scanners as it negotiates well with status such as virus patterns, updates and more which is a little boredom in Windows XP.

The only thing I am annoyed about is the very repetitious questions and answer portion for accessing low-level threat operations such as viewing a network connection property, changing screen resolutions, viewing a hardware property and even with a signature program from Microsoft itself. Quite annoying indeed. But at least, as Microsoft promised, “security in mind” but i hope this will change in the upcoming Service Pack 1.

Another security enhancement is that the Windows Update system can now be found in Control Panel for an instant update. The operation is straight forward and easy to use.

A pre-release Vista Service pack 1 can now be downloaded and tested. I have installed these and experience some significant enhancement such as access to external devices, e.g. Canon EOS 5D operation and some USB operations.

[f_alejandro]

4.5 Networking with Vista

The Intel 802.11 a/b/g detection of wireless devices on site is seamless on Vista. These including nearby Wi-Fi routers. And once detected an open network, e.g. Starbucks Cafe, you can instantly access the internet. I never encountered any problems with regards to wireless connection. Connection to protected network with WEP/ WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK is also seamless provided the supplied Preshare key is inputted accordingly.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/wireless_connect.jpg

The only glitch i am seeing is that whenever i’m already connected, the signal bar always indicates 3-bar being rated good but the network property always displays 54Mbs speed on 802G and 11Mbs on 802b still. Updated drivers for the wireless devices but still it’s 3 even if the wireless router is 2 or 3 feet away.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/wireless_connected.jpg


On wired LAN, I was unable to connect and see computers on the network running other operating systems. After which I have configured the network to work for most every connected computer including an auto-assign or DHCP setting enabled, no luck there. Until I discovered that the Antivirus preinstalled with my notebook blocks incoming and outgoing discovery of network. Such a dull default setting. Anyway, it’s a Norton Antivirus 2007 with Internet Security. I configured the culprit and access to network has been initiated at last.

Another is connecting to a shared printer on the network running either Windows 2000 or XP. Until recently I found a solution in the Microsoft forum rather than on the official trouble shooting documents of the Microsoft support website. The solution is there but it’s quite weird. A network printer set as a local port connection for the network printer to work. I hope Microsoft is doing some patches for this problem.

[f_alejandro]

4.6 The Game Experience and Wow Entertainment
Aside for the cool looking Aero, viewing or watching DVD with Vista is the smoothest I think of all the capable notebooks I used. 3D rendition of WinAmp and Windows Media player music spectrum animations are rendered and delivered smoothly. The sound system deployed with the notebook I’m using is also a wonderful experience for multimedia capabilities of Vista.

I am sorry to inform you that I am unable to give comments on Vista Media Center as it is not included in Vista Business. Brad and Robbie can perhaps give us a slight view of this feature. :D

I took the liberty of installing the game I purchased last December 2005 and able to assess it online using the NZone of NVidia for testing your hardware if it can run Vista and other 3D intensive games. Included in this website is a game needing some advanced hardware features like pixel shaders and fast processor. It’s called PoP WW or Prince of Persia Warrior Within by Ubi Soft. A second instalment to the Ubi Soft’s trilogy, Prince of Persia. This game on my experience don’t run on ordinary PC with minimal or little hardware resources to use. With my PCs at home (not mine, my sisters’ and my brother’s. Lol.), it only runs on my previous VAIO, the GRT390ZP with Petium 4-Mobile processor at 2.6Ghz speed with 64Mb of NVidia GeForce Go5600. But it runs quite smoothly there. So now, let’s see the game with Vista at a Core2 Dou 2.0Ghz x 2 speed totalling a 4Ghz speed.

The picture below is an assessment result from nZone.com for assessing Prince of Persia WW. NZone is NVidia’s site for testing 3D and other graphics intensive software.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/prince_test.jpg

The game loaded smoothly as I expected. Pure and more immersive, softer yet crisper texturized environment and character appearance is more detailed compared with the previous laptop I used. In addition, loading time was nearly a breeze and the game play leads to no lagging or so. I can say I’m satisfied with how Vista handles games. But of course I haven’t used any latest games for play with this notebook configuration and vista.

Some screen shots I took during the game:
http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/Screenshot00305.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/Screenshot00304.jpg

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/Screenshot00302.jpg

[f_alejandro]

5. Compatibility Issues

As many experienced, the dilemma of incompatible software for which you bought a year or two will not run properly on Vista. For example, during my installation of Nero Burning ROM 6.xx, Vista has detected and warned me that the software has conflicts with the operating system. Either way, I continued on installing it. I tried using the compatibility mode option on the application to run and emulate the Windows XP (Service Pack 2). It runs. It burns. But it’s also a verdict that some older programs written in the year 1999 works flawlessly, e.g. Microsoft PhotoDraw 2000 and AutoCAD. The most exaggerating problem I am facing now is the Visual Studio 6 with C++ compiler. Everytime I load programs, run and such, this critical error always pop-ups. And thus, this thing is making me think of switching back to Windows XP for the meantime. But I am still searching for solution to make this up since some of my hardware parts only have drivers for vista at the support website.

I am also worried about how Microsoft delivers its marketing strategy. There was this guy buying a laptop at the same store and seeing me operating mine has become quite intrigued. He asked the sales lady for a brand of laptop for his budget also running Vista. After a while he complained that why is his different than mine. Lol. Because the laptop he requested is only running Home Basic. I mean come to think of it, the multiple versions of Windows Vista deceive many. I too at first during the early years of alpha and beta Vista was deceived. Being not interested, i thought there are only two Vista versions like XP Professional and Home. And now, there’s bunches of them.

Another awful offering of Microsoft is that they sell software on Windows Market Place not informing the user or buyer that a particular software isn’t compatible with Vista... tsk tsk tsk.

6. Errors / Bugs and Resolution / Service Pack

So far Vista never hanged or froze on me. Some problems I have encountered were Internet Explorer often times stop responding. But as mentioned, problem detection and resolution on Vista is so good. The reason for IE7 not respond is that, the yahoo toolbar plug-in has incompatible issues. After disabling the toolbar, IE7 is back to normal operations.

The last frustrating error I encountered last April 10 was Vista suddenly start scanning my drive during boot up and found errors on the index files. It says something like NSU index repair blah-blah. And after that, a message on the taskbar notification area displayed a message that my account profile has not been loaded and that vista gave me a temporary document area in c:\users\temp. It also warned that upon logging off, any data or information saved in this temp folder will be erased. I looked somewhere in the Microsoft support forum and found some answers. At the forum, it’s indicated there that the thing also happens with XP, but I never did experience the same stuff in my previous years with XP. I think Microsoft should make some resolutions on these... Vista should be easier to use and not to confuse basic users.

Service Pack 1 for Vista will be release second half this year. Microsoft entails that with the updates, boot up and shutdown procedure would be faster than before. And of course, almost 100 or 200 more minor fixes to current Vista version. Anyway, someone has sent me a beta release of SP1 for testing.

[f_alejandro]

7. Nokia PC Suite Version 6.83.14.1 and N91-8Gb on Vista

I have downloaded the Nokia PC Suite Version 6.83.14.1 from Nokia and test the software on Vista. Runs smoothly and functions just like before on my XP laptop. The only gripe on this one is that after the installation, and you exited the program asking for a connection, you won’t be able to show the “Get Connected” dialogue. I can’t figure whose error is this, Vista or the Nokia PC Suite?

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a46/alejandro83/sz48gn/pc_suite.jpg

Using the N91’s Bluetooth EDR feaure, transferring large chunk of data from and to the pc are of course faster compared to previously introduced Bluetooth technology with the NSeries phones. But indeed, I still prefer the data cable through USB 2. Who would not anyway?

[f_alejandro]

8. Conclusion and Recommendation

Although at the current version of Vista having some slight problems, for me, Windows Vista is a true leap and innovation compared to the previous versions of Windows. Only that you have to make a decision since it involves a learning curve for “where’s this feature i’m looking for” coz some menu items were not included by default such as the Run command and other operatins with the system and many interfaces with managing your computer have become more complicated (for me) compared with XP.

For approximately five years in development, Windows has come with new added features. Of course Windows XP with third party tweaks can do what Vista can. But in my opinion, a complete system from Microsoft with the all in one support is not that hard to accept. And besides, Windows Vista runs on newer type of PCs. This merely is a big advantage on my part. Using faster and more responsive tool for your job only means faster work, thus producing faster output and faster decision making. Those regretting to use Windows Vista and complaining it’s slow, buy a new pc. Moreover, Windows vista is an evolution and a revolution as well, of course with a 70% marketing and business intention there. Merely perhaps all things need to grow, offer a newer trend and move on. Speaking of newer operating systems, who are the companies that nearly produce operating systems and reversioning them in one or three year time. Those Linux and other operating system users barely mark thousands of bad words about Microsoft OSs, but in the end, they cheat themselves by having this Windows partition and using them while everybody is not looking. I’m not saying all who use Linux or other open source OSs cheat, but few of them are. I’m not saying Windows is perfect. But it is the nearest to perfection and the most functional at the moment.

I recommend Windows Vista for those who want a new operating system ground. It offers newer interfaces and new tools for managing your work. But if you are just a user who often times do like sending emails, documents and spreadsheets, then stick to your Windows XP powered pc. Some will argue with this. One would say “well XP is sophisticated enough to do all things from scientific to business to entertainment operations”. I agree with that. In my opinion, Vista is not destined for real “new wow” features. Instead, enhancements – from user interfaces to using your laptop or pc to searching items for a more or easier tasks. But isn’t it what reversioning do? From XP (Version 5.0) and Vista (Version 6.0). And who the heck has this OS that almost reached Version 10 or 12 and is still not that fully functional.

Speaking of revisions Microsoft has announced its next Operating System for 2009, code named [b]Vienna[/i] and probably Windows Version 7.0 and “might” support 64-bit computing only according to Microsoft. I think it’s quite too soon for a new OS now that Vista has some glitches and support for XP would be extended for the next five years. Hmmm... i wonder what will happen to Microsoft with that load.

During the early years of Windows XP, my friends, colleges and people i know really don’t bother about XP. They said XP is slow, memory eating monster, etc. etc. But looking at them after a few months, they said XP is better with the previous OS they used. The same trend is happening all over again. Let’s see in the upcoming months how Vista will “hypnotized” pc/notebooks lovers. :D

Windows XP has grown on me for the last few years, but I think I need to go forward and the same, move on and grow with the new trend. But I am missing XP somehow. FIN.

:)

[jayesh]

very well written user review. Full marks to you...

[Jose_R.A.M]

Agreed jayesh. I found the personal approach and structure quite endearing. Fantastic work! Have some rep!

So....new OS on a new Vaio?Double congrats!

Like you said, I've also encountered many more negative reviews towards it.

Compatibility would be the biggest issue for me with Vista.With everything working fine on XP, I'm currently not in the mindset of an upgrade.

But I will get Vista when I get a new laptop in the summer. More so because there's really not an option to go XP on the newer laptops. At least, with the in-box resource hungry nature of the os itself, there's so much more reason to get a more powerful system

f_alejandro, you mentioned how overtime, friends of yours preferred XP to older MS OS; Would you say that now you're using vista that it would be hard to go back to XP?

[f_alejandro]

very well written user review. Full marks to you...

Thanks Mr. "hypnotized". haha. I think you hypnotized my decision very well. :D

[f_alejandro]

Agreed jayesh. I found the personal approach and structure quite endearing. Fantastic work! Have some rep!


Thanks!!!!!!! :D


So....new OS on a new Vaio?Double congrats!

yup. i really appreciated vista - only with minor wishes. and the VAIO, well if it wasnt for the Casino Royale movie. lol. I just buy things that inspires me most. Like nokia 8800 in the Island movie. :D


Like you said, I've also encountered many more negative reviews towards it.

just like XP was when it first debuted. who care's about XP at first.


Compatibility would be the biggest issue for me with Vista.With everything working fine on XP, I'm currently not in the mindset of an upgrade.


Same here. That is why i have these kinda decision on going back with XP... but Vista is so... so cool. and vibrant. and many others. :o


But I will get Vista when I get a new laptop in the summer. More so because there's really not an option to go XP on the newer laptops. At least, with the in-box resource hungry nature of the os itself, there's so much more reason to get a more powerful system


Yep. Get a vaio too. so you can become ah... "one of us? the MI6 idiots". lol. :D


f_alejandro, you mentioned how overtime, friends of yours preferred XP to older MS OS; Would you say that now you're using vista that it would be hard to go back to XP?


Yes it's very interesting to note that once you explored the world of vista, it's like there's no turning back... i mean there are a lot features on Vista that are very usable. And patches are being downloaded everyday for bug fixes and enhancements... Vista is quite stable now in exception with software compatibility. But the thing i mentioned, vista accepts some old software applications... i might settle for good with Vista though. There's two or three friends of mine who i am teasing to get hold of Vista. i showed them just the Aero and, walah! *hypnotized*. And they really are dying to have it in their laptops/desktop. :p

[jayesh]

hehe :) i don't know what to make of it... that i hypnotized u :) ultimately im sure u feel it was a good move :) :)

as for windows vista well having done a bloody long review on it myself sometime back .... i only got this to say... its not bad it has its issues but its a worthwhile solid upgrade that will in time mature. and yea once u have moved to it ... moving back is not easy.

People have short memories. XP was buggy as crap, as porous as sandpaper and has taken 6 yrs to reach the point where it is today. Give Windows vista time.... in 2 yrs this argument will be completely moot and we being the geeky tech-heads...will probably be clamoring for the betas of Ms's next os to run on our nehalem based 16 core 32nm procs.

[Jose_R.A.M]

as for windows vista well having done a bloody long review on it myself sometime back

Can we have a link for that?

.... i only got this to say... its not bad it has its issues but its a worthwhile solid upgrade that will in time mature. and yea once u have moved to it ... moving back is not easy.

People have short memories. XP was buggy as crap, as porous as sandpaper and has taken 6 yrs to reach the point where it is today. Give Windows vista time.... in 2 yrs this argument will be completely moot and we being the geeky tech-heads...will probably be clamoring for the betas of Ms's next os to run on our nehalem based 16 core 32nm procs.

A lot changes in 2 years. Most arguments tech wise are null within 6 months But like you said, the geeky tech-heads that we are, it's our duty to discuss/argue about such things

Any guesses on when you guys think the *switch* to vista will happen for the general population?

[f_alejandro]

hehe :) i don't know what to make of it... that i hypnotized u :) ultimately im sure u feel it was a good move :) :)


Well it's just I'm already burned up with new cell phones and investment wise, buying newer models during launch is not practical anymore. and knowing that during debut releases, expect firmware erros and bugs.


People have short memories. XP was buggy as crap, as porous as sandpaper and has taken 6 yrs to reach the point where it is today. Give Windows vista time.... in 2 yrs this argument will be completely moot and we being the geeky tech-heads...will probably be clamoring for the betas of Ms's next os to run on our nehalem based 16 core 32nm procs.

Totally agreed. I remember also that when XP debuted October, Service Pack 1 was released two months after for major bug fixes, and later Service Pack 2 that made it quite a matured OS followed by gradual online patches and hotfixes. Vista is on the same track now. :)

[f_alejandro]

A lot changes in 2 years. Most arguments tech wise are null within 6 months But like you said, the geeky tech-heads that we are, it's our duty to discuss/argue about such things


Ok, let's argue about it now. :D


Any guesses on when you guys think the *switch* to vista will happen for the general population?

Perhaps approximately 6 months to one year. now that most newer and cheaper desktop computers for home and office, laptops and tablets are commonly pre-installed with OEM Vista, it's quite sooner now.

when i attended this debut of Vista at MOA (Mall of Asia), partner resellers were offering Vista based desktop PC with OEM home premium at the very least Php 21,000 approximately US$438. This is an evidence that Vista is getting common as we speak. Software and application developers have released most of the software lately that are fully compatible with Vista. The only problem is that we have to avail of them again. But isnt it nice to have newer versions of these? And there are a lot of software out there for free or shareware that intermediate users can utilize its functionalities. if you really want all for free, go pirated!! LOL - as long as you use it at home or for non-commercial use.

To be more serious, who among you guys torrents for application software? be honest. I do. :D :p

[jayesh]

Hmm i have in the past like anyone has... now a days i don't need it. Most of the time i just receive it for either review or just get a media license which most firms anyway offer :)

[f_alejandro]

Indeed. I also got the chance of evaluating Adobe LightRoom months ago. I think software compatibility will be address very soon now. Other software development companies offer upgrades to vista with very minimal upgrade charges. :)

[f_alejandro]

Hi. I just got a time around playing with my Vista. I downgraded to Windows XP but ended up REVERTING to Vista:

Some of my favorite programs have compatibility issues with Vista Business. So to experiment with my toy, I downgraded to XP Pro. It didn’t took me long before I ended with XP since most XP drivers in sony’s site is compatible with my machine. During my time with XP, I tested performance and it was not the performance I expect. I thought with XP having lesser hardware requirements, it will be faster and more responsive since it’s running on a higher-end machine now. But it’s NOT. I mean the usual speed I’m getting with my old vaio is the same. Opening control panel and such is not the speed I expected. Loading productivity tools is in normal speed as well.

Though Vista loads or boots a little bit slower than XP (in my case), once Vista is loaded, it performs fast. I mean really fast compared to XP. Again, it’s like pulling an open application in the taskbar. Whereas with XP, when you open a program, it somehow thinks of something. LOL. I have concluded that Vista has a more responsive processing ground compared with XP. More robust, faster, wiser and more… more, ah… appealing. Haha. So I ended up reverting back to Vista. :D

About the software compatibility, Microsoft has answered some major software issues by releasing hotfix KB932246 (http://support.microsoft.com/kb/932246). And of course I have replaced some or several software with Vista ready applications. I’m truly grateful for speedy support with Vista now. No more hard feelings for me with Vista.