This is my problem with it too, and from speaking with other people we are not the only ones. Unfortunately Microsoft will get all the casual users to adopt through bundling with OEM manufacturers as always. I'm testing out linux distros right now on an old machine to see which one I might like to use when Vista becomes standard. I'm also considering a Mac for the first time in a very long while. I think XP Pro is going to go down in history as the best Windows version.
Hell, I'm still running Windows 2000 Pro on both of my computers. Works just fine for me. My mindset is kinda like the gun folks...I'll change the OS when they pry the old one from my cold...dead...fingers.
Yea, I'll buy Vista........ 10 years from now when all the bugs get fixed! . You'd expect with all the money MSFT has, that they could make the product right the first time, ha!.
I too was a Win2K snob.... however I eventually converted to XP... it really is easier, better supported, and less hassle to reinstall.
I've been a PC user since day one...back when the DOD sponsored engineers and workers of major aerospace firms, with buying the new IBM PC's...with zero interest loans to pay for the 5k boxes. Never have I thought of using a MAC until now....very sad...but the DRM/restrictions/limits built into Vista make it sooooo uncool and sort of scary in terms of "take my money and take my freedom" you cant even use it for home media anymore...limits built in on HD content playback...and who knows what else it supports...maybe it wont allow non drm'd mp3s either...and erase my 20k song collection. So in light of this, I'll be keeping XP for my business/trading apps.....looking at the new Mac and OSX for all my general purpose use....and also build out a new Linux desktop. Remember you can always dual boot on the new Macs..since they use intel chips now. But alas I no longer support DRM'd software and the heavy hand it wields over our freedom....its bad enough re-installing XP every 6 months since it sucks...and having to explain to the guy in Bombay that Im installing once again since XP falls apart after a few months of heavy use and testing. Farewell Mr.Gates....I've invited Mr.Tux over to be the server at my parties from now on.
For how long will you be able to buy non Vista laptops? Any ideas? I was planning to buy a laptop for travel this spring, but wanted XP media center only, not Vista. Will I even be able to do this, or should I just buy it now? (even though I don't need it now). I fear I may have a prob if I wait as I was going to buy a fairly high end one. I definitely do not want Vista.
Simple solution: get WinXP pro for $139 from newegg.com, format your machine and put a fresh install using XP.
Tom seemed to like it, but they are not always the most objective reviewer http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/23/countdown_to_windows_vista/