Here Comes the Windows 7 Hardware
Now that Windows 7 is here, it begs the following question: What type of Windows 7 desktops, notebooks and netbooks are hitting the street? The answer: There’s no shortage of hardware from which to choose. Here’s a sampling of options we spotted…
Alienware: Yes, even the gaming computer company (now owned by Dell) is shipping with Windows 7. Interestingly enough, they’re shipping with the 64-bit version of Windows 7 on their high-end systems. It’ll be interesting to see how that plays out.
Dell: Advertising Windows 7 big and bold, Dell has a special page showing what select systems are shipping with Windows 7 and an embedded movie showing the new ‘simple’ features Windows 7 provides.
Gateway: Windows 7 coverage is low-key, but most of Gateway’s models are shipping with Windows 7, and Gateway has implemented a free Windows 7 upgrade program, too. Depending on what version of Vista (NOT XP) you have purchased on a qualifying Gateway System, you’ll receive the Windows 7 equivalent. (e.g. Windows Vista Business = Windows 7 Professional).
HP: At the top of their web page, HP says they recommend Windows 7 and, like Dell, have a selection of products that will be shipping with Windows 7. Their page doesn’t seem as excited about Windows 7 as Dell’s does.
Lenovo: The team at Lenovo is boasting their “Enhanced Experience” with Windows 7. The page details that all their systems with Windows 7 are tweaked and enhanced since they worked side by side with Microsoft in custom-tailoring the operating system. Lenovo’s page boasts a 57% faster boot time.
Sony: All of Sony’s VAIO machines are shipping with Windows 7, including their large L-series touch screen machines. Touch is something that Microsoft focused on with Windows 7, so it’ll be good to see it implemented ASAP.
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments area.
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So far, no difference from Vista. Nearly all consumer machines were shipping with the new system when it came out, too.
Today MSFT reported a -18% in net income for the quarter “largely because it deferred revenue when it let summertime PC buyers get free upgrades to Windows 7” (http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9BGS9O80.htm)
Meanwhile Apple reported a reality-defying +47% in net income and Google a +27%.
Microsoft had better be successful with Win 7.
Simplicius: It’s more than a Windows 7 conversation. Disruptive technologies (virtualization, open source, SaaS, cloud) challenge Microsoft on every front. It’s similar to the PC challenging IBM in the 1980s. IBM adapted and emerged even stronger… but the Big Blue evolution required a decade or more.
Similarly, Microsoft’s fate will take years to play out.