Windows Vista Thoughts

Kyle from [H] just sent over a link to a new editorial with his thoughts regarding Windows Vista. He uses feedback from readers and one of his editors to convey some different viewpoints, some positive and some not so positive.

I think the delays and features ripped from Vista over its extended development cycle, coupled with the fact that Windows XP SP2 is Microsoft's best OS to date, has dulled some of Vista's initial luster. But having used a couple of recent builds of the OS myself, I can honestly say I'm looking forward to its release.  Unlike some people, I like the fact that the Aero interface uses the GPU to accelerate its effects, instead of leaving the most complex chip in my system idle unless I'm running a game.  And all of the new features and gadgets, while evolutionary, are still welcome in my book.

It seems to me that some analysts think Vista has to be an otherworldly, revolutionary operating system for them to consider it a successful effort.  I disagree.  If Vista hits, and its fast, stable, and reliable.  And if it enables new features and enhances my daily computing experience, I'm all for it.  By all accounts, Vista is going to be more secure, it will certainly offer more features than XP, and unlike alternative operating systems, Vista will run the vast majority of software currently available.  Now, if MS delivers, and the shipping version of Vista is stable and more streamlined than the Beta builds, is the average consumer going to be disappointed? Probably not.