Windows 7 goes on sale October 22nd
By Darren Murph 
posted Jun 2nd 2009 1:57PM
posted Jun 2nd 2009 1:57PM
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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Sweet. So an RTM build so be out on the nets by August.
*should*
Yah...
Fernando:
Even you're laughing at OSX
bailout. :)
I know JTops makes an appearance on here from time to time. Is there ANY possible way you can get your Apple-happy, MS Bashing sarcastic writers to release real/insightful news ? How about a nice big fat review article about how insignificant the choice of versions will be for 98% of consumers out there? Maybe a Win7 hub that answers ppl's GD questions instead of sparking the endless MS / Apple debates? Might steal some constructive hits from sites like CNet that actually review products like this and HELP consumers.
The multiple versions 'situation' is being blown 500x out of proportion in EVERY ENGADGET story that touches on it, and it's getting quite old. Of course this will probably be ignored and simply fuel your Mac-happy slaves into more bantering, but hey - It might be nice to get something useful on this site from time to time.
PHENOUM HAZ A MAD!
8 months 4 days after my Bithday! Woot!!
Remember: for Linux, choice is good. For Windows, choice is bad. For OSX, it's irrelevant because Apple makes all your decisions for you.
Phenoum,
I agree with you, but it doesn't have anything to do with being "mac happy."
Its a blog, after all, and while it would be nice sometimes to see a post without the trite snarkiness, I imagine it keeps the readership high. Plus, its not like Engadget is involved in the "Mac vs. PC" comment debate (they may have their own personal preferences, but they rarely get involved unless someone makes a personal attack).
For those of us intelligent enough to make our own decisions and wade through the FUD about Windows products, its really just something to laugh (or roll your eyes) at.
That said, if you say something enough times, people start to believe it -- which explains a lot about general attitudes toward Vista (most of the people who have an opinion about it have never used it).
I look forward to using Windows 7, but I'll wait until my next rig to install (in 2-3 years). Right now I'm completley satisfied with my copy of Vista 64 Ultimate.
Hey! Where is the freaking IE icon. Come on, IE8 is actually nice and standards compliant.
@ VampireHunter Z
Because... Firefox 3 is a whole lot better?
RTM looks to be end of July.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/06/02/technology/microsoft_windows.reut/index.htm?postversion=2009060215
Hopefully on Technet and MSDN then as well. :-)
Yay! day after my birthday! Woot!
Not the day after my Birthday, but I'm still getting it.
It's in the same year as my birthday, GET IN!
2 days before mine! :D
And seriously, Engadget, you might be acting sarcastic or something, but enough with the "94 flavors of Win7" crap.
You must have missed the unwritten law of Engadget: It is forbidden to publish anything about MS without at least one sarky remark.
3 days before mine!
EVERYONE GET IN!
7 days b4 mine :-)))) ..
not that i be gettin this lol
lol, windows 7 releases 7 days after my birthday.
true, i just noticed.
& and I thought people were exaggerating about the engadget bias.
Not very professional if you ask me.
Only 8 months and 1 day after mine!
oh come on, 3rdman/Mark... The absurd # of variants of Windows deserves a snarky remark.
Quit acting all butthurt. A snide comment here or there isn't going to stop anyone from buying it, and even if it did, it'd be no skin off your nose.
/didn't realize the internets were now supposed to self-censor so as to avoid hurting fanboys' feelings
8 days after mine. Woot!
Wait, why do I care?
Double the day in October my b-day is! (11th for you to lazy to do the math ^_^ )
@USE
Well, no they don't as the vast majority of consumers will buy Home Premium equipped machines in the same way they bought XP Home machines despite XP having multiple versions.
It's not a difficult concept to grasp.
@ Mark Anderson:
I thought the unwritten law of Engadget was you don't comment negatively (period!) about Microsoft or positively (period!) about Apple (or Sony...or Nintendo...or Linux...) without bringing the commenter horde down upon you?
The commenters have made Engadget the WinSuperSite of gadget blogs, where anti-Microsoft dissent will not be tolerated.
@quix
"The commenters have made Engadget the WinSuperSite of gadget blogs, where anti-Microsoft dissent will not be tolerated."
or anything pro-Apple for that matter. The Engadget comments section is the Mecca for MS Fanboys.
Day *of* my birthday.
That means I get a free copy, right? Right? Please?
8 months 4 days after my Bithday! Woot!!
wow 7000 days after my birthday(the day that i came out)
Nicholas Angel: Oy! When's your birthday?
Underage Drinker #1: 22nd of February.
Nicholas Angel: What year?
Underage Drinker #1: Every year!
MINE TOO!!!!!!!!!
8 days before my birthday and the day of my brother's birthday.
Only 14 months away from my birthday :)
+1 nphieb for mentioning Hot Fuzz!
BTW, Windows 7 FTW!
I'll be buying a copy that day!
@superhobo: It used to be way worse. Remember Conrad Quilty-Harper's articles?
This is the first time I've had the comment system go awry on me. Sorry, Jazzwall.
It's time to play "Choose a windows 7"!!!!!!
God would people stop with this.
You shouldn't take things so seriously.
It's all in good fun!
I'll catch them all and be the Windows 7 master. Hopefully I'll be able to beat the Elite 4.
Not just you, Engadget keeps trolling with the "OMG i cant deside wich version to get!!!" shtick. I guess they don't like consumers saving money and getting the version with the features they need..
As much as I hate to agree h has a point. There should be only two versions, Home and Professional/Ultimate
Yeah, it's a real tough decision, because this is what you'll see on the store shelves - Home, Professional or Ultimate.
Wow, that's a hard choice.
Badger et al - That's because Apple has already shown us how you do it right. One version of OS X client. One version of OS X Server.
Done. That's how you do it. If Microsoft would just do that, there would be no need for snarky comments. But they insist on being stupid about it, so the snarky comments will continue.
@Zack
That fact that you just said that is proof that you know nothing. Apple and MS are two different companies with 2 different business strategies. so please stfu
@GeekPI:
Not even that. Just Home Premium and Professional. AFAIK, Ultimate won't be available at retail... only online.
@Zak
Not only that, but does OSX have features like a built-in media center that some consumers might not need? Or maybe a version that has less flashy features so that the less hardware inclined computers might run it? No, OSX does not.
Because Windows has to run on a more diverse range of computers, not just on the ones that Microsoft deems, it has to be prepared for any situation, including the aforementioned features.
Apples and Oranges.
@Zak
Should I do my "28 versions of music players" post again?
It is something like this: Windows has 6 different versions - that is too many, it is confusing to the user, and they should have one version at one price point.
Apple has 28 different versions of their music players - Apple is giving the user choice, choice is good, and it has different price points to welcome everybody.
Actually let me list those out for you:
iPhone 8GB black
iPhone 16GB black
iPhone 16GB white
iTouch 8GB
iTouch 16GB
iTouch 32GB
iPod Shuffle 4GB white
iPod Shufle 4GB black
iPod Classic white
iPod Classic black
Silver Nano 8GB
Black Nano 8GB
Purple Nano 8GB
Blue Nano 8GB
Green Nano 8GB
Yellow Nano 8GB
Orange Nano 8GB
Red Nano 8GB
Pink Nano 8GB
Silver Nano 16GB
Black Nano 16GB
Purple Nano 16GB
Blue Nano 16GB
Green Nano 16GB
Yellow Nano 16GB
Orange Nano 16GB
Red Nano 16GB
Pink Nano 16GB
Yeah, and once Apple has, I don't know, *ANY* servers out in the real world, we'll see how that works.
Microsoft learned a while ago that one size does NOT fit all, especially in the business world with servers.
@Zak
Its all about proportions, look at the selection of possible Windows machines and look at the number of Microsoft operating systems for desktops, notebooks, netbooks, tablet pcs, media center pcs, business machines, and servers. Now look at your possible selections for Apple OSs and your choices for desktops, notebooks, and server. I think the world is pretty well in balance.
OH MY GOSH I CAN'T WAIT. THE RC VERSION is just so great...I think Microsoft should have a talk with father time and get the years of Vista erased of the past...except the lessons learned
huh?
good to know that, would love to upgrade from vista to win7.
love vista so far.
yeah i missed vista
I hope Microsoft and Windows Admins are happy with supporting not only various diverse hardware platforms but also multiple Windows versions.
Microsoft is going to have fun trying to support 10 different versions of Windows.
Six editions plus four 64 bit versions of it.
I bet you Microsoft has to spend many times the cost of developing Windows on supporting it. Think about it, to track down a bug .. they need expertise in all ten versions plus the individual apps etc. that get shipped with Windows. And that's ignoring the various hardware platforms Windows could be on. I bet that's probably why they can't really add innovative features to Windows or any of the applications they make .. they must spend a LOT of time bug fixing little things .. never really getting the time to work on innovative apps.
In reality, they only have 2 versions to maintain: x64 and x86.
All other SKUs are just mix and match versions. All the x86 editions come on 1 disk, your key unlocks the different features. Same with the x64 editions. Even then, i have a feeling that not all subsystems of windows 7 come in both x64 and x86 versions.
sorry to rain on your poo on ms parade.
Sure that's why Vista and XP have been such a dismal failure with its multiple versions.
Or not.
Bad news, when you buy a new PC with Windows on it Microsoft don't support it your hardware manufacturer does, like HP, Dell etc.
Microsoft only support full versions Windows sold retail and most Windows installs come from hardware sales.
Another sad little bubble burst for a typical uninformed Apple fan. ...sigh...
You guys just CAN'T be positive about it can you?
"time to figure out which of the 94 variants will suit you best. Have fun!"
there's only 6 versions, 3 of which won't be sold to the consumer, and also ultimate for the nerds who "need" everything
that leaves Home Premium and Professional, 2 choices - its that too hard?
"and also ultimate for the nerds who "need" everything"
You're the one arguing on engadget dude....
Way to call yourself a nerd man.
Welcome to Engadget, home of the Pro-Apple Anti-Microsoft Bias.
Even if they're normally pretty negative about anything Microsoft, I think that was some tastefull sarcasm this time.
And yet most of the comments are the complete opposite.
Its a good balance. well...not really
Windows 7 has five Editions in two versions (32-bit and 64-bit) and one Edition in 32-bit only -- totalling ELEVEN variations.
ELEVEN variations of one product! Engadget has a fair point. But for the freetards, they'll prolly just have two: Ultimate x86 or x64.
lol Vanillacide,
the 32bit and 64bit editions come on a single disk for their respective windows 7 versions. Are you seriously going to call a 32bit and 64bit different versions of windows?
@ Vanillacide
Hate to break it to you, but 32/64 bit variants are just that - variants of the same flavor. Not different versions.
Of course, can't get through to a troll with logic.
An honest question - OSX doesn't have a 32bit and 64 bit variant. It supposedly will run the 64 bit version where applicable.
Why doesn't Windows do the same? - or am I missing something?
JUST ASKING - this isn't any kind of statement about OSX or Windows.
Errr.. yes. 32-bit and 64-bit are different architectures; with a different code base.
Trying getting a 64-bit driver to work on a 32-bit Windows.
Processor architecture is more different than enabling / disabling features as a marketing led decision to create a range of products.
Mike, it looks like right now you will have to go into 32-bit mode in Snow Leopard for some applications. Windows Vista has better 64-bit support than OS X at the moment...One program can actually access more than 3 gigs of RAM!
@Jesse S
There is no 32 bit or 64 bit mode in snow leopard. You don't have to worry wether the app is 32 or 64 bit it just launches the way it is suppose to OS X takes care of the rest.
And Leopard has much better 64 bit support then vista. Any 64 Bit OS X program can address and use more then 3GB of ram.
And windows 7 still isn't a true 64 Bit OS. Snow Leopard will be the first consumer OS with full 64 Bit support across everything.
dlewis:
Wow, Snow Leopard sounds awesome. So I take it it will run on hardware that isn't even designed for 64bit, like the Core Duo Macbooks that are under 3 years old? Its that fucking magical?
Yayz! Now what to pick...
I fear if it's more expensive than what Vista was, a new SKU known as "Pirate Edition" will be the most popular.
I'm pretty sure a large heft of their money comes from businesses anyway. Not that personal sales shouldn't be considered.
Yea, it's true.
I'm guessing it'll be around $300 and 300 dollars for an OS is just way too much for the average consumer.
Whenever Windows 7 comes out, you can buy a brand new computer preinstalled with Windows 7 for less than that.
@Iceman
$300? Are you fucking insane? There's no way it will start at $300.
I wasn't talking about starting. I was talking about Home Premium.
Windows Vista Ultimate is $250 right now.
Vista Home Premium is $225.
Both are years old now.
Launch prices will always be higher.
@Ice man
Where the hell do you shop?
Vista Home Premium - $99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488
Vista Ultimate - $174.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116493
Those were pretty much the prices at launch too.
@dubb Ever try finding OEM version on the shelf at best buy or Costco? OEM version have no support and the license is way more restrictive than the retail versions. Your response was disingenuous at best. You should either Troll better or be nicer.
Good to Hear!
So they miss the back to school sales, biggest time for notebook sales. Who's ganna want to buy a computer with Vista in August?
I'm sure they make just as much money. It's not like they are giving Vista away for free. I'd imagine being an international corp. they are more than aware of such issues.
They're going to have a deal where you get a free voucher to upgrade from Vista to 7 when you purchase a new computer, which I believe starts in July.
I agree with CheeToS. After a little digging, June 26th appears to be the date.
+1 here. I, for one, will be buying a uMB in August. Sorry MS, love the Windows 7 R.C. but won't be able to wait until October...
Will they seriously let you upgrade if you buy it after a certain date? That would be the tish.
My source, FYI:
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?pgno=1&artno=609
Im going to stay with vista because ive never had any problems with it, ever.
Ive never had a virus. It's never crashed. Every piece of hardware ive used has been compatible,
and my comp has never ever been slow.
I honestly dont understand the bad press it's had all these years.
Don't worry, you're in the majority here. However a select number of nerds that shout loudest think they are right; whilst not technically the majority they mar the reality.
Whilst I did have issues with Vista back in 2007 it's been fine for ages. W7 looks nice but I'll only be buying it if and when I refresh my desktop.
Or perhaps when I need a new laptop as Leopard is nice on this Macbook but I prefer Vista. Apart from the trackpad and instant wake up that is.
same here,
i've been running vista x64 for over 10months now, it works rock solid, no virus attacks (i love uac for warning me everytime a usb autorn virus tries to execute),
i dont see a reason why should i upgrade to win7 from such a stable window, but i like to upgrade stuff, so i'll prolly try win7 once its out. couldn't waste my current installation of vista , with the win7 betas. gonna wait for the official launched one.
ROFL!
I'm also a pretty big fan of Vista and the UAC. Any word on whether Win7 will have UAC?
@ph0bi0s
Yes, it has UAC, but you can turn it off just like you can in Vista
Kinda a month or two later than I expected, but nice to know a date. Worldwide release?
Hmm. I'm not too bright on computer stuff but does anyone know or think if this would work with BootCamp on Macs....?