Since the original announcement of Windows 7 in the works I've been keeping updated on this release. Originally, I wasn't very supportive of Windows 7 since it gave me the impression that it was just a money grabber since Windows 7 is very similar to that of Windows Vista. However, after continued reading and finally using the OS it's been an amazing release.

I originally thought that Windows Vista was good but I find that Windows 7 is far better in almost every regard. Windows Vista had a very rough start and it wasn't until SP1 where things started to improve. Even then it still has some notable issues which still have been largely ignored. Particularly with Windows 7 becoming the focal point.

The thing with Windows 7 is that even with it being without a service pack - it has very little problems. It runs stable, it's fast and very easy to install even when performing a clean install. In fact, it is possible to perform a clean install with upgrade media simply by booting from the disk and choosing a custom installation. Just make sure to have an OS preinstalled so it activates with ease. Otherwise, you will have to perform a registry hack or buy a full version instead. I know this since I own two upgrade copies for both my computers and have installed it through these methods without problems. Personally, I would not recommend an upgrade installation. If you want to get the most of the OS I would highly recommend a clean install. Even performing a clean install is quite a lot easier than installing Windows Vista. Most of the generic drivers installed automatically by Windows 7 during installation can get you by until you can install the appropriate drivers.

The difference between Home Premium vs. Professional comes down to a few main items; all business features are included including Remote Desktop, the option to backup to a networked HDD (Hard Disk Drive) using WRE (Windows Recovery Environment) along with featuring the Windows XP Mode - a virtual environment where you can run a fully licensed copy of Windows XP Professional and run applications installed in it through Windows 7 directly. Also, those who don't have fancy processors with Hardware Virtualization technology can now run Windows XP Mode regardless as this requirement has since been removed.

All in all a very good purchase. Especially with being able to take advantage of the 50% deal during the preorder period.

Now to summarize:

+'s
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- Reasonably priced.
- Very stable and reliable OS.
- Very similar layout to Windows Vista.
Therefore; easy adaptation for Windows Vista users.
- Windows XP Mode
- Easy clean install (can use most computer functions such as wireless NIC without installing new drivers).
- Can use upgrade media to perform a clean install with ease.

-'s
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- Still too expensive for some.
- Harder adaptation for pre windows vista users i.e.) Windows XP/2000.
- SP1 is getting around to becoming released sometime this year so buyers may want to wait to get Windows 7 media to include SP1 instead.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Windows Vista brings a whole new Windows environment to PC users worldwide. Ultimate edition bundles all the features offered in Home Premium along with all the features included in Windows Vista Business. What's more is Ultimate also includes a few added features (such as BitLocker) and special downloads called Ultimate Extras which includes exclusive added features such as DreamScene which provides the option to use non-static images on your desktop.

This particular edition of Windows Vista Ultimate includes Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) which significantly improves Vista's performance, reliability and security. Since this bundle includes Vista Service Pack 1 you can spend less time updating your PC with the latest updates and more time getting what you want to get done. Most importantly a vast majority of compatibility issues with various software titles have also been resolved. Being a full version copy, you are offered limitless power over installing Vista the way you choose. Regardless whether of not you choose to upgrade or perform a clean install - you can easily do both with this bundle. By purchasing a full version copy you are given the ability to install Vista Ultimate on a computer without having to have another operating system preinstalled.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A 64-BIT DVD - YOU'RE IN LUCK THIS BUNDLE INCLUDES A 64-BIT DVD. Other editions require you to order it through Microsoft directly.

SUMMARY REVIEW:
Pros:
- The most complete edition of Windows Vista.
- Includes a 64-bit DVD.
- Good reliability, performance and security.
- Much more affordable price (than +700 CA when released).
- Ultimate Extras.
- Features exclusive to this edition only (BitLocker).
- Full version package.
Cons:
- Still expensive.
- Retail case is awkwardly designed and therefore annoying to use.

OVERALL RATING:
3 out of 5 Stars.

SWITCHING TO WINDOWS VISTA? Here's a short list of recommended software titles to get you started - All are fully Vista Certified!
- Microsoft Office Home & Student(Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote) - Perfect for students and home users who need to get stuff done!
- Avast Anti-Virus software (FREEWARE from avast.com) Don't bother wasting your money when you can get a free solution that works just as great.
- Roxio Media Creator 10 - Perfect solution for all your burning and multimedia needs.

WRITTEN REVIEW:
I've been actively using Windows Vista since August 22/2007 (so well before SP1) and to be perfectly honest I've been very pleased with it. I haven't experienced any significant problems using Vista than what others claimed to have. In fact I have had the same occasional minor problems that Windows XP users have had for years. And before you ask - Yes before Vista I have been using Windows XP profusely. With the addition of Vista Service Pack 1 my problems never got any worse but in fact better. With SP1 Microsoft made the operating system more stable and most importantly helped make using User Account Control (UAC) more manageable.

All in all I gave this product 3 out of 5 stars. I would have given this product more but the biggest problem I had with this product is the price tag which was what brought it down to 3 stars. The problem is that many Windows customers cannot necessarily afford Ultimate due to it being so expensive. My only real reason for purchasing it was on top of the added features included I also wanted to get a 64-bit DVD. This edition offered both in the same package.