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Chilling stories, even from top Microsoft execs, tell the truth (NEW YORK) One year after the birth of Windows Vista, why do so many Windows XP users still decline to 'upgrade'? Microsoft says high prices have been the deterrent. Last month, the company trimmed prices on retail packages of Vista, trying to entice consumers to overcome their reluctance. In the United States, an XP user can now buy Vista Home Premium for US$129.95, instead of US$159.95. An alternative theory, however, is that Vista's reputation precedes it. XP users have heard too many chilling stories from relatives and friends about Vista upgrades that have gone badly. The graphics chip that couldn't handle Vista's whizzy special effects. The long delays as it loaded. The applications that ran at slower speeds. The printers, scanners and other hardware peripherals, which work dandily with XP, that lacked the necessary drivers to work well with Vista. Can someone explain why switching XP for Vista is an 'upgrade'? Here's one story of a Vista upgrade early last year that did not go well. Jon upgrades two XP machines to Vista. Then he discovers that his printer, regular scanner and film scanner lack Vista drivers. He has to stick with XP on one machine just so he can continue to use the peripherals. Did Jon simply have bad luck? Apparently not. When another person, Steven, hears about Jon's woes, he says drivers are missing in every category - 'this is the same across the whole ecosystem'. Then there's Mike, who buys a laptop that has a reassuring 'Windows Vista Capable' logo affixed. He thinks that he will be able to run Vista in all of its glory, as well as favourite Microsoft programs like Movie Maker. His report: 'I personally got burned.' His new laptop - logo or no logo - lacks the necessary graphics chip and can run neither his favourite video-editing software nor anything but a hobbled version of Vista. 'I now have a US$2,100 e-mail machine,' he says. It turns out that Mike is clearly not a naif. He's Mike Nash, a Microsoft vice-president who oversees Windows product management. And Jon, who is dismayed to learn that the drivers he needs don't exist? That's Jon Shirley, a Microsoft board member and former president and chief operating officer. And Steven, who reports that missing drivers are anything but exceptional, is in a good position to know: he's Steven Sinofsky, the company's senior vice-president responsible for Windows. Their remarks come from a stream of internal communications at Microsoft in February 2007, after Vista had been released as a supposedly finished product and customers were paying full retail price. One usually does not have the opportunity to overhear Microsoft's most senior executives vent their personal frustrations with Windows. But a lawsuit filed against Microsoft in March 2007 has pried loose a packet of internal company documents. The plaintiffs, Dianne Kelley and Kenneth Hansen, bought PCs in late 2006, before Vista's release, and contend that Microsoft's 'Windows Vista Capable' stickers were misleading when affixed to machines that turned out to be incapable of running the versions of Vista that offered the features Microsoft was marketing as distinctive Vista benefits. Last month, Judge Marsha Pechman granted class-action status to the suit, which is scheduled to go to trial in October. (Microsoft last week appealed against the certification decision.) Anyone who bought a PC that Microsoft labelled 'Windows Vist+a Capable' without also declaring 'Premium Capable' is now a party in the suit. The judge also unsealed a cache of 200 e-mail messages and internal reports, covering Microsoft's discussions on how best to market Vista, beginning in 2005 and extending beyond its introduction in January 2007. The documents incidentally include those accounts of frustrated Vista users in Microsoft's executive suites. -- NYT

Hey just soliciting some views/advice. TIA for yr contributions. I'm using SE K800i and DL songs to use as my companion on the public transport. Problems is memory is full. So, now choices left to me is either upgrade storage or get a mp just for it. If yr advie is to upgrade storage, plse recommend which one to get and price if possible. If yr advice is to get mp3, plse recommend one that can store alot, display title name etc. Branding is not a requirement but must be hardy.

Hello it's been a long time since i've posted here. My hands are itchy and thought of upgrading my front speakers and amp. My budget is around $2k for speakers and amp. I've thought of this setup: Front speakers: DLS Ultimate UR6i ($1k?) Amp: Audison VRx 2.250 ($800?) Cables: QED/Monster cables ($200)? I am planning to go on a SQL setup. My current HU is Pioneer P80. Wondering will this be a good setup or any other combo will be good? First i'll be will upgrading my front speakers and then my monoblock amp and my sub. Any inputs will be good..thanks!

Hi, Need some assistance. Anyone replaced their flywheel with a lightened one on their Alfa 2.0TS ? where did u do it? Thanks

In the early 50's mechanics were know as fitters, then in the 70's they are called mechanics now in yr 2000 they are know as auto tech .By yr 2010 what will thier job decription/title be - may I suggest auto diagnostician. Yr view pl. Other job decription titles have also undergo many changes such as: Watchman( jaga) = security officer clerk= Admin assist Bookkeeper = Account adminstrator Salesman = Product consultant Technician = Technology officer Operation Manager = Operation Director Bank Branch Manger= Vice President Rubbish collector = Scavenging engineer Anymore , pl add to the list

Dear bros, need some opinion/help here... i tried to install my Logitec web cam on my old PC (XP), but it states that it needs at least Service Pack 2 SP2 upgrade...does anyone have similar encounter? and what's the solution to it? because i also encounter some problem downloading SP2...

I am thinking of upgrading my HU. Can anyone advise on the following: 1. Upgrade from Alpine 9815 to 9887, can hear improvement? or 2. add H701 to existing HU (can 9815 connect?) 3. Upgrade to Eclipse 7100 (but expensive)

any idea wats is the damaged to upgrade my current stock turbo(base rex) to TD05 16g. Wat are the things that i need to change? e.g. intercooler etc etc. any bros here can help? Thanks...

Dear expert, How do you add additional sub to a Mark levinson(14 speakers) system on a lexus IS250? I got a crazy friend who likes 'killer bass' to his music. And he is looking to add one hugh sub to his boot to UP the bass level on those disco/techno music, he listens to. The marklevison may be tuned more for total music refinement, so the bass is still short of Boom Boom shake the room kind. Any one with experiences? (Please don't ask him to change the entire system or to change another car.)

Smaller IU with auto-top up function is on the way: http://www.japancorp.net/Article.Asp?Art_I...sp?Art_ID=14486[/color][/u]

My setup is as below. Thinking to upgrade. Wonder expert out that can advise to upgrade the tweeter or the amp first to feel a more significant improvement in the soundsystem. I have my eye on this amp STEG Qmos 104.4 amp Is this an SQ amp? or Genesis 4 x 50w Is this powerful enough for my front speaker. I spoken to my installer, was told that this is a pure amp so is enough for the speakers. I am more keen in SQ, soundstaging and tight bass. Thanx

Came across this ghost rider BMW from other forum. damn fierce. hahahah driving these machine at night wooooo

I am actively looking ard for big brake kits(frt only) for my S60T5 and have found that Rotora has a set for my car - 4-Piston caliper and pads 330mm 2-piece slotted rotors Steel-braided lines Cost with installation (b4 gst) - S$3800 Just wanna ask if anyone is also interested (think S40 and S80 also have) - if combine purchase maybe can get more discount (unfortunately volvosg forum is down). The local dealer is Team Sportivo at Sin Ming. Can check out the webbies: www.rotora.com http://www.brakeworld.com/calipers.asp If no one else is interested, I will just order mine.

Just got my rear brake upgraded... I believe I can have better stopping power for my little starlet.

have been driving 1.6 and below cars 5+ years, it's time to upgrade... in nowadays market, which Japanese aboved car is the value of money? FC, Power, reliability, interior space, exterior looks... 70K+/-

Bros, I'm on 15" Light Rim (With good offset clearance) Problem is i cant find many 2 Pot Can intro me some? I hunted VTTR 4 Pots / mini 6 Pots etc but cant go in Only option i can find is Exzess Single Big Piston Or any idea where can i find Wilwood Single Big Piston or 2 Pot etc? Or any other option. Thanks

Hi, Came across this: http://www.sun-auto.co.jp/html/pro_02/hot_inazma_hyper.html Does MB / Autobacs sell this particular model ? Comments on whether it's worth an upgrade are welcome Thanks, Neotan

my colleague just scrapped 2 years Honda Stream , and bought toyota rush, IYO, it is downgrade or upgrade?

Ok folks, went to test drive the JDM Accord today. A bit disappointed by the sluggish pickup... Not sure if it's due to the almost empty tank or the car just feels really heavy. Was also disappointed that it's the lowest spec. version among the JDM Accord. No trip computer and a dyfunctional radio. Only 15" wheels?! Tried the Legacy 2.0R yesterday. Full load of 4 pax in the car.. The pick up is good but not mind-blowing. Love the ICE and trip computer on the centre console. Overall built and feel very good! :-) Tried the 2.0 Civic at first and love the power. The car just crave to be pushed! Love the 4 airbags, cruise control, horsepower... but Dec/Jan delivery timeline?! Come on man! Tried the 1.8 again with full load. Engine sounded noisy and seems a bit out of breathe as compared with the Legacy and Civic 2.0. Another alternative is the Forrester. Slightly less hp than the Legacy but love the SUV look. Check the spec. and was surprised that the curb weight is less than the Legacy. Will it be a big drinker? What do you guys think? I want a car that I will not be tempted to change in the next 3 yrs. My current ride is a Mazda Protege. Coming to 3 yrs come Dec.

Any rubber-pro bros out there, I will like to upgrade my current stock shoes from 185-60 R14 to Bronze 16 rims.... After using the different calculators offered in the various threads, the highly possible options are as follows: 1. 175-50 R16 2. 215-40 R16 3. 195-45 R16 Anyone can tell me which is a better (ie more comfy , better control, etc) option? If there is a better config, pls tell me....also will be good to suggest brand of rubber too... My ride is the budget Mit Lancer.....

I have a TC car and thinking of my next mod, which way would you go.... Cams & cam gears or ECU piggyback & tuning? Thoughts and opinions most welcome... hmmm...

Hi everyone here... just wanna check with all expert in ICE kakis that do you change your normal batt to those High end BATT for your ICE system?? especially those with lots of lights? if so.. which batt you will recommend? my workshop recommend me EFX EDC1200

I generally enjoy upgrading one part at a time, be it performance (intake, exhaust etc) or ICE. Lasted one year on stock Alpine W560 2DIN with phd 4075 and FB Pro Kit. Finally changed to Alpine 9855 recently at AE. Although still passive, the speakers seem to have gained a new lease of life - not only can hear, but feel the difference with significantly more mid bass and clarity. Even when listening at high volume, it never felt "noisy" as per the old HU. Also, Alpine 9855 allows selection of lighting, so it match with the rest of the red lights on a Teg dashboard I was thinking of getting the new Alpine iPod fullspeed compatible HU's, but seems they do not have the full functions as per 9855 (any Alpine HU expert can elaborate)? Could it be Alpine is trying to promote their new HU with their 701 processor? Hmmm... could be, I guess.

Anyone got details to share?

just heard in news. FREE UPGRADE for Mazda3 bought from 2 years ago to disc brakes .... and agent said no problem with drum brakes. yeah right.