Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Windows Vista: which version is right for you, and which other version will you end up with?
I am a member of that "Exploring Windows" list Microsoft maintains in order to advertise at clueless computer users. (This can readily be deduced by looking at the content of the list.) I'm a member because I haven't gotten around to unsubscribe.
But then, why would I unsubscribe, when periodically I get a message like this?
The message says....
Which version of Windows Vista is right for you?
Hoo boy.
It only became known that there were going to be multiple versions less than a month ago, and already they're pushing out marketing messages to the clueless legions. I'm by no means a Microsoft fan, but this business over Vista strikes me as startlingly awful. But for those reasons, continue reading.
People use computers for an unimaginable variety of work and leisure activities. To fit this wide range of uses, Windows Vista will be broadly available in five versions (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4628420):
Of course they use computers for lots of things, that's why they're called general-purpose computing machines. To offer customized versions of Windows for each use isn't empowering, at best it's stingy since they don't want to give away all features for one purchase price, and means they'll end up selling extra copies, as users buy weaker versions, find out there's features in the more costly versions they need/really want, and have to schlepp back out to the software store to shell out again. "What's that?" the clerk will say, "You want to return an old software purchase? MWA-ha-ha! Guards, seize him!"
I cannot rightfully imagine why Microsoft would do something like this if they were not expecting at least a sizable number of computer users to do something like that.
For Home:
Windows Vista Home Premium (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4628421): Goes beyond basic tasks and helps you get more done around the house while more fully enjoying your digital entertainment.
The middle-ground. People with prior Microsoft experience (like those screwed by the Home/Professional difference) will probably default to this. According to their site (at the very URL listed above), this will be the cheapest version that actually includes their new Aero interface. It also has the options for making your own DVDs (DRM permitting) and it "provides new ways for you to enjoy your music, photos, and DVD movies", assuming the RIAA, MPAA and I assume professional photographers of America allow it.
Windows Vista Ultimate: Includes the full set of business, mobility, and home entertainment features for those who use their PCs at work, at home, and on the road.
Will probably contain some gaming acceleration tweaks that games will quickly come to rely upon. Will have the fewest crippled features.
Windows Vista Home Basic: Increases reliability, security, and ease of use for entry-level computers and basic tasks such as writing e-mail and surfing the Web.
The version that will be bundled with low-end computers. That's the rub, the true implications of this plan. That copy of Windows you get with one of those $500 machines at Wal-Mart, you may not realize, actually accounts for a sizable percentage of the cost of that machine. It'll lower the cost of the initial package, but to do the things you really want with the machine, you'll end up having to shell out for the big thing anyway. That's called a hidden cost folks, and by paying it, you'll ultimately be shelling out for Windows twice, once for the basic version and one for the super deluxe XTREEM version. Those who won't will be reduced to second-class citizens.
Anyone want to place any bets as to whether the next version of Windows will go back to offering one Home and one Business version, and in the ad copy for it brag about how simple it is Microsoft is making it for customers?
I am a member of that "Exploring Windows" list Microsoft maintains in order to advertise at clueless computer users. (This can readily be deduced by looking at the content of the list.) I'm a member because I haven't gotten around to unsubscribe.
But then, why would I unsubscribe, when periodically I get a message like this?
The message says....
Which version of Windows Vista is right for you?
Hoo boy.
It only became known that there were going to be multiple versions less than a month ago, and already they're pushing out marketing messages to the clueless legions. I'm by no means a Microsoft fan, but this business over Vista strikes me as startlingly awful. But for those reasons, continue reading.
People use computers for an unimaginable variety of work and leisure activities. To fit this wide range of uses, Windows Vista will be broadly available in five versions (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4628420):
Of course they use computers for lots of things, that's why they're called general-purpose computing machines. To offer customized versions of Windows for each use isn't empowering, at best it's stingy since they don't want to give away all features for one purchase price, and means they'll end up selling extra copies, as users buy weaker versions, find out there's features in the more costly versions they need/really want, and have to schlepp back out to the software store to shell out again. "What's that?" the clerk will say, "You want to return an old software purchase? MWA-ha-ha! Guards, seize him!"
I cannot rightfully imagine why Microsoft would do something like this if they were not expecting at least a sizable number of computer users to do something like that.
For Home:
Windows Vista Home Premium (http://go.microsoft.com/?linkid=4628421): Goes beyond basic tasks and helps you get more done around the house while more fully enjoying your digital entertainment.
The middle-ground. People with prior Microsoft experience (like those screwed by the Home/Professional difference) will probably default to this. According to their site (at the very URL listed above), this will be the cheapest version that actually includes their new Aero interface. It also has the options for making your own DVDs (DRM permitting) and it "provides new ways for you to enjoy your music, photos, and DVD movies", assuming the RIAA, MPAA and I assume professional photographers of America allow it.
Windows Vista Ultimate
Will probably contain some gaming acceleration tweaks that games will quickly come to rely upon. Will have the fewest crippled features.
Windows Vista Home Basic
The version that will be bundled with low-end computers. That's the rub, the true implications of this plan. That copy of Windows you get with one of those $500 machines at Wal-Mart, you may not realize, actually accounts for a sizable percentage of the cost of that machine. It'll lower the cost of the initial package, but to do the things you really want with the machine, you'll end up having to shell out for the big thing anyway. That's called a hidden cost folks, and by paying it, you'll ultimately be shelling out for Windows twice, once for the basic version and one for the super deluxe XTREEM version. Those who won't will be reduced to second-class citizens.
Anyone want to place any bets as to whether the next version of Windows will go back to offering one Home and one Business version, and in the ad copy for it brag about how simple it is Microsoft is making it for customers?
