Windows 7

[MrDisco]

Like most geeks around the world, I've been playing with the release candidate of Windows 7 for the last little while. The OS has been pretty good and there should be little reason not to upgrade. To help get people to convert, Microsoft launched a contest to become a host for a Windows 7 House party. Chosen hosts are to invite people over and spread the good word. I was lucky enough to get chosen and today my welcome kit arrived. Since we all like pictures here we go:

The box:


Helpful tips on running your party:


It's all about being green, so here are some tote bags:


Napkins!


I'll see your call and raise you... (playing cards):


Who doesn't like a good puzzle?


A giant, drug-induced, poster:


Propaganda


The pièce de résistance! Not only do I get a free copy of Windows 7, not only is it the full version, not only is it the Ultimate Edition, BUT it's "signed" the Man himself - Steve Balmer CEO of Microsoft:


A pretty good bit of swag that saved me from purchasing my own copy. Thanks Microsoft!

[Arcturus]

I have been holding off buying a new laptop, until WIndows 7 and Quad Core chips started showing up at retail stores. Sounds like it is time to start
looking now.

[MrDisco]

Win7 hits retail shelves next week I believe, however that shouldn't stop anyone. Most big box stores and manufacturers are offering free upgrades from Vista to Win7 with the purchase of a system.

My plan is to take some down time and install my SSD drive with Win 7 (which supports the TRIM command set) and then sell of my velociraptor.

[kokoburo]

Actually I'm purchasing a new laptop with Windows7 and i've been keeping track of it. Seems like a great OS to me

[Arcturus]

Since Windows 7 has come out, I have been looking at the gaming laptops. What retail stores consider gaming laptops is pretty
laughable. The new i7 Quad Cores are only 1.6 GHz, which supposedly are equal to 2.1 GHz Duo Core. Best Buy used to allow you
to configure HP laptops, which was how I got my high end HP laptop several years ago, but they don't do that now.

My financing options are limited which really means retail and not online. I may be forced to get a strong Duo Core vice a Quad Core.

[Firestorm ZERO]

If it is mainly for gaming, duo core is fine. Many games are still not optimized for multiple cores.

For me, the only reason I really need Quad is for development as I run virtual machines.