Windows Vista to Come in Seven Editions

[Mrbunchypants]

Read the quote:

Windows Vista Ultimate Edition: The best operating system ever offered for a personal PC, optimized for the individual. Windows Vista Ultimate Edition is a superset of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Pro Edition, so it includes all of the features of both of those product versions, plus other benefits, including on-line services being considered. This version is aimed at high-end PC users and technology influencers, gamers, digital media enthusiasts, and students.

Read here. (http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=5176)

I really don't like the sound of that. Does ths mean that only the ultimate edition will run games?

[TheKeck]

I really don't like the sound of that. Does ths mean that only the ultimate edition will run games?

I agree. While I can't imagine that the "normal" sku won't run games at all, I hate the fact that this "ultimate" edition is targeted at gamers. Like, "for the true gaming experience, shell out another $100 for your OS."

[Oblivion]

that is a far fetched conclusion to say te least.

[AboveAvgCharles]

I really don't like the sound of that. Does ths mean that only the ultimate edition will run games?

Most likely that is not the case. If anything, I'm betting any non-"Ultimate" edition version of Vista (god I hate that name) will just lack the specialized gaming features they've been talking about... ie. the way Vista is supposed to organize your games, create a thumbnail database of boxart, sort by game rating, description, genre, etc...

At least I hope that's it.

[Taco]

I'm sure it REALLY matters to everyone here, because like me, we all pay the $200-$300 for Microsoft's latest update.

Anyways, thats a really over the top quote, I have a hard time believing it.

[TheKeck]

Most likely that is not the case. If anything, I'm betting any non-"Ultimate" edition version of Vista (god I hate that name) will just lack the specialized gaming features they've been talking about... ie. the way Vista is supposed to organize your games, create a thumbnail database of boxart, sort by game rating, description, genre, etc...

At least I hope that's it.

Yeah, that sounds pretty good. Let's all hope you're right. I really couldn't care less about that crap, as long as the actual performance of games remains the same.

[netcraazzy]

I hate to say it but MS has already created a decent amount of confusion in the marketplace just with their Home/Pro and Full/Upgrade editions. When I worked at Best Buy a few years ago I would get these people who wouldn't buy a computer if it had XP Home because...you know...they were professional people and need the Pro OS. It was very hard not to laugh.

[Paranoia]

Well then, the 2 versions of X360 ain't so bad after all.

[Grimgrock]

The far fetched conclusion is the statement " The best operating system ever offered for a personal PC, optimized for the individual."

This statement is far more far fetched than the statement about $$$.

[TheKeck]

Well then, the 2 versions of X360 ain't so bad after all.

Hardware vs Software hardly seems relevant.

[KarmaGhost]

I have a feeling I'll be sticking with XP for some time to come.

[TheKeck]

I have a feeling I'll be sticking with XP for some time to come.

Same here, I just bought a new machine, and I've never been one to upgrade the OS independent of the rest of the package.

[Chagrinful]

They brought this up over on Neowin and I said, well this is bull they'll make you pay more for preformance in games. Someone retorted that I was jumping to conclusion and it'll only be an application that optimizes the games. I told him he was being very naive thinking microsoft would allow lower tiers access to something they're making you pay more for.

[bapenguin]

Hmmm...Didn't Microsoft just say they want to make access to gaming available to a broader audience?

This is just Microsoft's way of getting around any kind of anti-monopoly stuff. The base model will have all apps unbundled. The rest will be fully functional.

[Paranoia]

Hardware vs Software hardly seems relevant.

The fact that it implies MS releasing multiple version of their product, I think its quite relevant.

[Malovech]

I actually wish there was an OS, or OS-mode that was optimized for games. It would be nice if I could reboot my system in "work" or "play" mode, with "play" having all the extra, uneeded services and bullshit turned off. Half the reason that consoles can pull off what they can with such relatively crappy hardware is due to their barebones OSes (that and 640x480 screen).

[TheKeck]

I actually wish there was an OS, or OS-mode that was optimized for games. It would be nice if I could reboot my system in "work" or "play" mode, with "play" having all the extra, uneeded services and bullshit turned off.

Ok, now that actually sounds pretty cool. But it also seems like a little feature that could be added to any OS, not something that should be a part of a whole different version of Windows.

[TheKeck]

The fact that it implies MS releasing multiple version of their product, I think its quite relevant.

Perhaps. Different SKUs of software seems a little more natural to me, I guess (although I've taken a pretty negative stance in this forum). I work on QuickBooks for Intuit, and we've got, like, 20 versions of the product!

[Taco]

I actually wish there was an OS, or OS-mode that was optimized for games. It would be nice if I could reboot my system in "work" or "play" mode, with "play" having all the extra, uneeded services and bullshit turned off. Half the reason that consoles can pull off what they can with such relatively crappy hardware is due to their barebones OSes (that and 640x480 screen).

Like run levels in Linux. I agree, that'd be pretty bad ass.

[Mrbunchypants]

See an OS that would have a gameing mode would be very cool.
And i htink MS might be able to do it with this OS.

For example, Windows Vista Starter Edition is for those beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. This will be a subset of Home Edition, and will ship in a 32-bit version only. It will also be limited to and allow only three applications to run simultaneously.

*Same link as above*

that to me sounds very nice. no more hafe a million small programs eating up my ram. :D

[Abednigo]

Well then, the 2 versions of X360 ain't so bad after all.

My thoughts exactly.

Why does Microsoft think this pricing model will work anyway? As if your average consumer has any clue what to buy when it comes to operating systems.

[Eric_T_Cheng]

The hardware requirements (http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/09/07/vista_hardware_reqs/) for Windows Vista, which includes 2GB RAM for the ideal configuration.

RAM: 2GB is the ideal configuration for 64-bit Vista, we're told. Vista 32-bit will work ideally at 1GB, and minimum 512. However, since 64-bit is handling data chunks that are double the size, you'll need double the memory, hence the 2GB. Nigel mentions DDR3 - which is a little odd, since the roadmap for DDR3, on Intel gear at least, doesn't really kick in until 2007.

[TheKeck]

The hardware requirements (http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2005/09/07/vista_hardware_reqs/) for Windows Vista, which includes 2GB RAM for the ideal configuration.

Nice link. This quote struck me as far worse than the one you chose, however.

Display: Prepare to feel the red mist of rage - no current TFT monitor out there is going to support high definition playback in Vista. You may already have heard rumblings about this, but here it is. To play HD-DVD or Blu-Ray content you need a HDCP compatible monitor. Why? Because these formats use HDCP to encrypt a video signal as it travels along a digital connection to an output device, to prevent people copying it. If you have just standard DVI or even an analogue output, you're going to see HD scaled down to a far-less-than-HD resolution for viewing - which sucks. This isn't really Microsoft's fault - HDCP is something that content makers, in their eternal wisdom, have decided is necessary to stop us all watching pirated movies. Yay.

[Taco]

I've got no problem with the high hardware requirements. Run it at a stripped down level now and let it grow with your system.

The HDCP monitor on the other hand.... someone will crack it before I ever buy one.

[goc_sin]

It sounds like a lot more work for us QA testers, that's 7 more machines to configure in our testing.

[the good doctor]

i would think its a good investment

[Varsity]

I really don't like the sound of that. Does ths mean that only the ultimate edition will run games?No comment necessary.

[PantherModern]

This is from the original Thurrott article and should allay the whole gaming concern:


Vista Ultimate promises to be the best OS ever offered for the personal PC and will be optimized for the individual. Vista Ultimate is a superset of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Pro; it includes all the features of both product versions and adds a Game Performance Tweaker with integrated gaming experiences, a Podcast-creation utility (which is under consideration and might be cut from the product), online club services (i.e., exclusive access to music, movies, services, and preferred customer care), and other offerings that are currently under consideration. Microsoft is still investigating how to position its most impressive Windows release yet and might offer Ultimate Edition owners such services as extended A1 subscriptions, free music downloads, free movie downloads, Online Spotlight and entertainment software, preferred product support, and custom themes. Nothing like Vista Ultimate exists today. This version will be designed for high-end PC users and technology influencers, gamers, digital media enthusiasts, and students.

So, it sounds like the "game tweaker" or whatever is what is being pointed to gamers.
It sounds like a cool idea, an OS-level game tweaker. Of course, we don't really have any details about what it does :) And what are these "integrated gaming experiences?" Is it the next generation of Solitaire? Now with transparencies and more card-backs?

It will be interesting to see how the pricing scheme for this version plays out. It kinda sounds as if the ultimate edition will just be outrageously expensive, since it incorporates both Home and Business features.

[sinclair122]

I think, with this coming up, and the compounding costs to play games on a PC, i'd rather just get a x360 instead of upgrading my computer...it seems that for the first time ever, i am choosing a console over a PC for gaming, (it's also much cheaper, for the hardware you get, and when modders learn how to hack it and load an OS on the 360)

[ldi222]

Do you really think the basic version of windows vista is going to ship without Direct X? That's the only way I can see the gaming version being superior and Id be in shock if that is the case.

Although interoperability with Live or the Media Center being compatible with 360 is a more likely scenario for the gaming edition.

[OldeWolf]

I'm still sticking to PC over console, mainly because over time, those who buys console and the games will be shelling out alot more for just a gaming platform with no other practical purpose. Not to mention that PS3 and Revalution will be coming out which takes more money out of your pocket than a mere PC.
The upside of this for the PC will be that the PC will be forced to work on becoming even better and more powerful than any upcoming console games which then will also force the console maker to make PS4, Xbox4, etc.

In the end, it's easier and cheaper to upgrade the PC in all those forms (new window, hardware, programs, etc) instead of buying new console every few years.

[Achilles]

I really don't like the sound of that. Does ths mean that only the ultimate edition will run games?That’s really the silliest conclusion I think you could have reached from that information. So congratulations! Of course all versions of vista will be able to run games. Maybe that version just has less overhead so it lets the game have more resources to mess around with. Or it could be that they actually finished the emulation support for old games that they tried to include in XP and that's what they're talking about (it's in there, it just doesn't work very well, or at all).

Edit: Reading the article further it seems that what they're talking about is that Gamers usually have really high end PCs that the Premium Edition will support (64-bit, tons of RAM, high screen resolutions, ect.). I must say though the way they broke up features I better still be able to use remote desktop or there will be problems.

I plan on getting Vista so I can use my computer as a media center and my 360 as the display device. TiVo without the monthly fee, more hard drive space and a better interface and options.

I also agree with those that say there's too many damn editions of Vista planned. They've got 4 home editions? Talk about confusing.

[codswallop]

I wish there was an OS-mode that was optimized for games
There already is an OS gaming mode, sort of:
http://google.com/search?q=windows+hardware+profile

[Citizen Philip]

I can't help but Troll, just this once.

I can't wait until the Xbox dominates the console market and they have 12 versions of their console system. It will be so much fun, and we will not harp on about the glory days of PC, Playstone, Gamecube or otherwise. The golden years await!

[nfwolfpryde]

Alright, I've got a little bit of experience with Vista. Basically, the "game" thing they mention is related to the performance utility the Vista installation runs when you install it. So basically, right after you install Vista, it runs a program on your computer that evaluates it. Then, it turns off certain settings, turns off certain visualization things, tries to optimize it for the systems that obviously wouldn't otherwise be able to handle all the (useless) eyecandy. Rumor has it, that the "Ultimate" edition will pass on this information to the game (assuming the publisher licenses the tech no doubt), so that it configures the game specifically for your system, and will even update your video drivers. Obviously, not all of us who play games regularly are what we'd call... tech savy. They're good at games, but even people like Tycho and Gabe of Penny-Arcade who play and write about games for a living don't know their way around a registery. That's what this program is for. I agree with Sinclair122 too, it's just getting to be way too expensive to game on a PC. A $400 video card every two and a half years is ~twice as much as a new console every 4 years. Simple economics in todays economy are driving me to console gaming, despite the superiority of the PC gaming experience.

As for the "Integrated Gaming Experience" Ultimate is supposed to offer, I wouldn't be surprised if this has to do with 360/PC integration. Remember when they first started talking about the 360, and they said the controllers would work with the PC? I bet it has something to do with that, and most likely further integration with the "GamerTag." As for making PC gaming experiences better, my guess is it's going to be limited to simple optimization that most of us do now anyways (Killing unnecessary apps maybe), but my best guess is that it's just going to further integrate the 360, so you, the PC buyer who just spent $2k on their new Vista rig (2gb of RAM and all), can better abandon it to play with your Microsoft 360 more.

I hope it's a little better than I think.

[XenonCJ]

It sounds like a lot more work for us QA testers, that's 7 more machines to configure in our testing.Dell, HP, IBM, & etc like the sound of that I'm guessing...

[XenonCJ]

Microsoft will create four product editions: Windows Vista Starter Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. In the Business category, there are plans for the release of three editions: Windows Vista Small Business Edition, Windows Vista Professional Edition, and Windows Vista Enterprise Edition. Wow and I thought having a Home and Pro edition of XP was retarded...

To me this sounds like really questionable... Will games run on the business editions? With enterprise tools like the "admin pack" or "resource kit" run on the non-business editions?? Can the home editions connect to a domain? MEH I SAY!

[Varsity]

Nice thread-reading skills, Sherlock.

[MrMeatshake]

yeah, this is a nice way to confuse your customers, ***. only a virtual monopoly could make bullshit decisions like this and still come out on top.

will still buy a 360, even though the base SKU is just a marketing tool and useless as anything more. i hate them, but they have the money and sway (though not experience or skill) to make a decent console. if only sega still did :-/

[lost]

Sticking to the point...

This is one huge pile of ass. I know I need it but my OS isn't something I truly care about to have to spend 30 precious minutes deciding which upgrade is for me.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for tradition but ONE version would be cool by me. Also, I'm not sure if I can see retailers stocking many of some versions. Probably large stocks of the ones most likely to sell and a few of the others.

[stomper1080]

The hardware requirements for Windows Vista, which includes 2GB RAM for the ideal configuration.

Now here's what I don't get: Will Windows Vista actually make your games run faster without changing the game settings? If all it does is change the settings to optomise gameplay, what's the point? It doesn't take long to learn how to manage settings for yourself. Furthermore, if Windows Vista needs 2 gigabytes to run perfectly... Why not just buy the 2 gigs of RAM and keep XP?

The point I'm getting to is: Why buy Windows Vista (and up to 2 gigabytes of RAM) if the extra RAM will just be used for Windows Vista related processes, not on the game itself?

[Achilles]

yeah, this is a nice way to confuse your customers, ***. only a virtual monopoly could make bullshit decisions like this and still come out on top.I don't know about that, how many versions of Linux are there? Not that it's a good idea. And I may be wrong but the Mac OS seems to come out with a new version every year or so that you actually have to pay for and usually only includes updates.

MS was probably looking at being able to sell discount versions (which isn't a bad thing) and came up with way too many. I'd expect one or two of the home ones to sell for less than $100. Only 3 of the home versions will be available in non-developing countries (still too many, should have been just a home and a premium).