XP get's limited new lease of life.

Inactive · Jun 05, 2008, 03:13:52

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7435278.stm

madasahatter · Jun 05, 2008, 04:49:05

Wonder what the specifications will be though - the specs for the lappys allowed to have XP aren't exactly mainstream are they when you consider the screen size limit?

At the end of the day, this makes some kind of sense - if the low cost desktops aren't capable of running vista, then it's pretty damn stupid to insist that they have it, and this decision can only increase consumer choice, which is good in my book

Rik · Jun 05, 2008, 09:42:16

The thing is, they won't be able to control the screen size with desktops, Mad - at least not for long.

Inactive · Jun 05, 2008, 09:43:59

....and they will have to continue to support XP.

Rik · Jun 05, 2008, 09:49:44

It does sound increasingly like an admission that they got Vista wrong, doesn't it.

JB · Jun 05, 2008, 09:54:44

Quote from: Rik on Jun 05, 2008, 09:49:44
It does sound increasingly like an admission that they got Vista wrong, doesn't it.

It also sounds like they have some worries about the penetration of Linux into the laptop and cheaper base unit markets.

JB.

Rik · Jun 05, 2008, 09:56:44

Agreed, JB. With just cause...

Sebby · Jun 05, 2008, 10:04:47

When Steve Ballmer of all people say that Vista is a work in progress, I think they admit they got it wrong!

Rik · Jun 05, 2008, 10:06:03

True enough, Sebby. Nice to know they are willing to sell prototypes, isn't it.

Gary · Jun 05, 2008, 10:06:08

Quote from: Rik on Jun 05, 2008, 09:49:44
It does sound increasingly like an admission that they got Vista wrong, doesn't it.

I am not so sure about getting Vista Wrong, windows 7 will be built off Vista and server 2008 but using the Vista kernal, XP works that's true except with some AMD processors and SP3, but Windows 7 will not be a major release, more to work on battery life for laptops really and introducing MS touch screen interface, XP is showing its age badly and after using Vista I personally would never go back, but on laptops I would prefer Vista basic but as for safety and security I trust Vista more so than XP, it cannot keep up with the security issues that are being thrown at it after almost 10 years. What MS need to realise is people do not want to keep upgrading every 4 years, the windows 7 OS will work on the hardware for Vista so you still need to update anyway, and that's expensive at least this time most people with a new machine will be saved that issue. Some small mercy

Sebby · Jun 05, 2008, 10:08:04

Good points, Gary. I like what they've done with Vista, and XP does look dated in comparison, but I just don't find it pleasant to use.

Inactive · Jun 05, 2008, 10:11:03

Having used both for a week now, I still far prefer XP, it isn't so loaded down with bloated trivia.

I have still not found any significant improvement over XP.

Gary · Jun 05, 2008, 10:14:32

Quote from: Sebby on Jun 05, 2008, 10:08:04
Good points, Gary. I like what they've done with Vista, and XP does look dated in comparison, but I just don't find it pleasant to use.

The user experience is odd, I find Vista is blazing along but I have quite a high end machine now, it is more productive to me than XP but it took me a while to get used to, now I would not go back, the search facilities tagging etc are great, the improved front end I like and I have not had any issues with drivers either so for me I'm content but we all like different things and have different needs, new computers will need more power as programs get more power hungry and demand higher specs anyway. Also the power management features in Vista are way better than XP, its all swings and roundabouts really Sebby

Gary · Jun 05, 2008, 10:18:18

Quote from: Inactive on Jun 05, 2008, 10:11:03
Having used both for a week now, I still far prefer XP, it isn't so loaded down with bloated trivia.

I have still not found any significant improvement over XP.

See the last years patching for security for Vista and XP in, that does show a big change, also tagging, searching, folder management, power management etc for me its a step forward but some people do like what they know and thats fair enough

Inactive · Jun 05, 2008, 10:55:37

Fair enough Gary, but I havn't had any security problems, most are down to the end user, it isn't even because I cannot " get used " to it, it took me a while to get used to XP, but it was well worth it because of the significant improvements over W98SE.

I just plain and simple don't like Vista, and I obviously am not alone.

To each his/her own .. as they say.

madasahatter · Jun 05, 2008, 11:57:00

Quote from: 6jb on Jun 05, 2008, 09:54:44
It also sounds like they have some worries about the penetration of Linux into the laptop and cheaper base unit markets.

JB.

Tbh, I think this is probably the main reason behind it rather than anything to do with Vista.

Quote from: Rik on Jun 05, 2008, 09:42:16
The thing is, they won't be able to control the screen size with desktops, Mad - at least not for long.

Trust you

Gary · Jun 05, 2008, 11:59:09

Quote from: Inactive on Jun 05, 2008, 10:55:37
Fair enough Gary, but I havn't had any security problems, most are down to the end user, it isn't even because I cannot " get used " to it, it took me a while to get used to XP, but it was well worth it because of the significant improvements over W98SE.

I just plain and simple don't like Vista, and I obviously am not alone.

To each his/her own .. as they say.

No you are not alone In, as I am not either

, but OS holes are not down to the user really are they?

Inactive · Jun 05, 2008, 12:03:18

Here's the deal Gary, you use Vista by choice, I will use XP by choice..

sorted.

madasahatter · Jun 05, 2008, 12:06:08

Quote from: Killhippie on Jun 05, 2008, 11:59:09
No you are not alone In, as I am not either

You're certainly not alone Gary - I love it too

Feel like I've gone back a century or two using XP at work

plugwash · Jun 05, 2008, 12:30:26

Downgrade rights on vista buisness and ultimate OEM allow you to install XP pro instead and big brand OEMs (the ones that use bios locked no activation required versions of windows) are allowed to supply thier customers with downgrade media or even provide the systems pre-downgraded.

For those who were planning to buy home this will be a bit of a price hike but it's not as though XP is going to become unavailible.

D-Dan · Jun 05, 2008, 20:08:38

I test drove Vista on PC2 for a while. XP is installed again, now. Why? Quite simply, because it's more an OS and less an application. I have a good knowledge of computer use, and so know how to protect mine. I use Windowblinds to avoid the "dated" look, I use DirectoryOpus instead of explorer (and DOpus is superior to Vista's explorer, too), and XP is simply more responsive.

Both my systems are dual core 64 bit, with my main PC running an Athlon X2 6400 and overclocked RX1950GT, which whilst no longer cutting edge, is certainly still a good grunt machine. Even PC2 with it's X2 4200 and RX700 is somewhat above minimum specs for Vista, so I'm amazed that Vista just doesn't offer anything for me (I don't even like the default interface).

Having said that, since Hardy Heron came along, I'm starting to think that by the time Windows 7 arrives, Linux may have caught up the ground and be offering a true alternative, and so I'm caring less and less.

Steve