Muzman on 7/8/2011 at 07:45
Besides the sexy packaging.
Microsoft don't really rev up the features much more than "the same as professional but with this security mobility thing that's like cool"
It's like twice the price. WTF?
Muzman on 7/8/2011 at 09:48
There's an idea. Cheers
Not much really. More than 16gb might be cool. XP mode sounds superficially handy, but I don't know much about it.
That's about it.
Zerker on 7/8/2011 at 10:54
If you own a valid Windows XP license, just install it in VirtualBox or VMWare and go with that. Instant "XP Mode" :D
Renzatic on 8/8/2011 at 04:10
XP mode is only handy if you've got old software required by expensive equipment, such as high volume thermal plotters and other fancy industry standard machines, which can't be run on a newer OS. If this doesn't sound like a problem you'll have to contend with, then do what Zerker said, and fire up an old XP disc in Virtualbox.
As far as which version of 7 to get, I'd suggest just going with home premium. I've been on 7 Pro since about release, and have yet to use even a single Pro specific feature. Unless you need to join a domain, or really need more than 16Gb of ram, you won't find any real use out of the other versions.
Matthew on 8/8/2011 at 08:46
I bought Pro for XP mode (never used so far) and the networking gubbins as I have to join my work's domain from time to time, but other than that I don't think Pro or Ultimate offer much over Home Premium, as Renz says.
Vernon on 8/8/2011 at 11:40
I was lucky enough to be provided with Pro x64 free through my faculty. I'm pretty happy with it - it doesn't seem anything in Ultimate is worth having
Zerker on 8/8/2011 at 21:24
Let's not forget that if you get Home Premium and "must have" some feature from Pro, you can always pay the difference with the "anytime upgrade".
lost_soul on 9/8/2011 at 01:35
I would say no, unless you're one of those guys who has to have the most expensive components/software spelled out in his signature. :) You can get the majority of functionality that Ultimate would give you from third-party programs for free. You can use TrueCrypt for disk encryption (OS encryption too), you can use an old copy of XP in Virtualbox for an "XP Mode" if you really need it, and I'm willing to bet someone has made an app to give you video wallpaper.
Muzman on 9/8/2011 at 02:03
Thanks guys. Yeah the best thing about Ultimate seems to be the name. I went with Premium 64. Cheaper again than Pro.
Three year service life is a bit off putting in principle. But who knows, maybe I'll be successful or something by then and won't care.