10 Reasons To Buy Vista

By Nathan Weinberg
Expert Author
Article Date: 2006-02-22

Michael Desmond at PC World gives his list of reasons to buy Windows Vista. While you should read the article to get actual details, here's the short list:

  • Security, including User Account Protection


  • IE7, with Protected Mode exclusive to Vista


  • Eye candy


  • Desktop search (searches local and intranets, and doesn't kill performance like current solutions)


  • Better Windows Update, including that it doesn't use the web browser anymore


  • Media applications, like Media Player 11, Photo Gallery and DVD Maker


  • Parental controls


  • Better backup software


  • Windows Collaboration for P2P shared workspaces


  • Quick (15 minutes) install
As a bonus, five reasons to think twice:
  • Price - is any of this worth $100 or more to you?


  • No antivirus (OneCare costs extra)


  • Vista needs powerful hardware


  • Learning curve


  • Some old stuff hasn't been changed much
My response to the caveats: The security in Vista is worth the price alone; Vista is more secure than XP, and if you haven't been paying for AntiVirus you are a fool; Vista actually runs faster on a lot of system (although some features, like Aero, will tax the system and are optional); if you can't handle the learning curve, go live in a nursing home; the examples listed are better in Vista, and practically no one complains that Notepad hasn't changed in over a decade, do they?

Some of my additional reasons for buying Vista:
  • Media Center in Vista is looking better and better


  • CableCard support


  • Windows SideShow is going to make laptop users VERY happy


  • Instant start-up, assuming it works and starts shipping on new PCs immediately


  • Windows Calendar


  • Games Explorer


  • Mobility Center
Sure, any one feature might not be enough for you, but in aggregate, can you find $90-150 of value in there? I can.

About the Author:
Nathan Weinberg writes the popular InsideGoogle blog, offering the latest news and insights about Google and search engines.

Visit the InsideGoogle blog.




WindowsXPDigest is an iEntry, Inc. ® publication © 1998-2008 All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy and Legal