That Computer Guy

Following the lead of a similar initiative during the pre-launch of Windows Vista, details of Windows 7′s Upgrade Option scheme have now been officially released. Essentially, the program is a free ticket upgrade for those buying an eligible PC or laptop between June 26, 2009 and January 31 2010 to upgrade from the version of Vista that comes pre-installed to an equivalent version of Windows 7.

Personally I had hoped that the scheme would have been announced on the same day as the release date was published. This would have allowed those of us in Australia a little more time to run to our local computer store and buy up, and still be able to claim the small business tax break 50% deduction in this year’s return. But as every cloud has a silver lining, the tax break now runs until December 31, meaning you can claim your deduction on next year’s return instead…

(By the way, if you haven’t heard about the ATO’s Small Business Tax Break package yet, give your accountant a call)

In other Windows 7 news – it looks like there’s a bit of a stoush brewing about the pricing here in Australia: US pricing has been announced at a rate that is some way below AU pricing, even allowing for (generous) currency changes.

Being as this is only likely to affect you if buying the software outright, and that the majority of purchasers will be exposed to it through a new PC or notebook anyway, I wouldn’t be holding my breath for Microsoft to change its decision. Still, bit of a nasty sideswipe though, given as it’s the same product.

Do you think you’ll be upgrading to Windows 7? Or are you over the hype already? Let me know in the comments…

If you’re in the market for a new PC or notebook, either for your business or for home – don’t buy it yet. Windows 7 is coming.

Why should you care? Well, because I care about you (no, really, I do), and I don’t want you to end up tearing out your hair any more than you have to, just because the machine you end up with, has the train wreck known as Vista installed on it.

Yeah, I know, I’ve heard the arguments too – Vista is fine now, yada yada yada. And you know what the funny thing is? Until I got my hands on a pre release copy of its successor, I used to say the same thing.

So what is it about Windows 7 that made me change my mind about Vista? Well, get this: it just works. Yup, that’s it – finally I think Microsft may have cracked it.

Without getting all technical on you, let’s take for example that on my test notebook, Vista’s memory usage would idle just below the 1GB mark. On the same notebook and with the same applications installed, 7 comes back in around half that. For the non-techies among you, this is good – it means that your computer is not going to be running like a three legged dog through treacle.

My wife is now using that same notebook on a daily basis; she’s no technical wizard, but I’m yet to hear of any problems in jumping from Windows XP to Windows 7. I can’t say of recommending Vista.

Microsoft have announced that Windows 7 will be released worldwide to retail on October 22nd, pricing is yet to be confirmed.