Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 13th May 2008 07:08 UTC
Windows XP SP3, the final service pack for Windows XP, was released to manufacturing a few weeks ago, and popped up on Windows Update about a week later. Even though the service pack is rather light on actual new features, it still caused a few problems for some users. Despite these problems, some benchmarks show that while SP3 delivers better performance compared to XP SP2, Microsoft seems to have solved many performance issues with Vista, turning the company's latest OS offering into the better choice for gaming - according to ExtremeTech.
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RE[5]: HP's lack of testing
by StephenBeDoper on Tue 13th May 2008 16:49
in reply to "RE[4]: HP's lack of testing"
Member since:2005-07-06
The worse part about these applications, they're not even remotely useful in the slightest. Now, if all the software they bundled were full versions, then it would be a great value. Imagine getting a full version of Nero ultimate (or what ever their super deluxe model is called) - for example.
Hear hear. One new Dell laptop I did some support work on had 3 separate media player/library apps pre-installed, not counting WMP.
And the trialware, gah. I can't count how many phone calls I get along the lines of "I bought a new computer and I thought I had Office/some AV suite/etc installed, but it just stopped working and says I need to register it..." I'm sure some companies would load trial versions of Windows, if they thought they could get away with it.
The thinkpad I have was surprisingly crap free - it was loaded with Windows Vista Basic and hardly any other software - so it ran surprisingly well.
It's good to hear that Leonovo has kept with IBM's relatively crap-free default OS installs on the Thinkpads. My aging x31 came with a mostly-stock install of XP Pro, with a few IBM helper utilities (IBM's power mgmt app, OSD for the volume controls, etc).
RE[6]: HP's lack of testing
by kaiwai on Tue 13th May 2008 17:07
in reply to "RE[5]: HP's lack of testing"
Member since:2005-07-06
Hear hear. One new Dell laptop I did some support work on had 3 separate media player/library apps pre-installed, not counting WMP.
I understand what you mean. I don't mind a DVD player, but when there are three different types, it draw's a line from being convenient to simply pushing stuff onto a machine to get more dollars from the vendors.
And the trialware, gah. I can't count how many phone calls I get along the lines of "I bought a new computer and I thought I had Office/some AV suite/etc installed, but it just stopped working and says I need to register it..." I'm sure some companies would load trial versions of Windows, if they thought they could get away with it.
I know what you mean; I've seen customers conned into purchasing software on their computer they don't need - they think they need to purchase it because it keeps popping up and reminding them - I swear that some of them are so deceptive I'm surprised these companies haven't been taken to court yet.
It's good to hear that Leonovo has kept with IBM's relatively crap-free default OS installs on the Thinkpads. My aging x31 came with a mostly-stock install of XP Pro, with a few IBM helper utilities (IBM's power mgmt app, OSD for the volume controls, etc).
There is a premium however, compared to other vendors. If you're willing to pay the premium, its worth it. I'm just have to say, I'm really chuffed about the build quality of this thinkpad; I can see why they're so coveted by so many business users. This one has full roll bar protection, built like a tank, black and sexy. Its definately a great laptop - too bad they don't see them through more outlets in NZ.
RE[5]: HP's lack of testing
by netpython on Tue 13th May 2008 18:03
in reply to "RE[4]: HP's lack of testing"
Member since:2005-07-06
I had Windows Vista for aproximately two hours preinstalled on my brandnew laptop. I felt the urge to install linux. Since i only need to be connected all the time and rather play GTA IV on my xbox360. Further more there seems no compelling reason at all to upgrade to Vista. No convincing reason to run Vista.
There are a lot of people like me who don't game anymore on their PC and only need the internet connection.
RE[6]: HP's lack of testing
by kaiwai on Tue 13th May 2008 19:00
in reply to "RE[5]: HP's lack of testing"
Member since:2005-07-06
I had Windows Vista for aproximately two hours preinstalled on my brandnew laptop. I felt the urge to install linux. Since i only need to be connected all the time and rather play GTA IV on my xbox360. Further more there seems no compelling reason at all to upgrade to Vista. No convincing reason to run Vista.
There are a lot of people like me who don't game anymore on their PC and only need the internet connection.
There are a lot of people like me who don't game anymore on their PC and only need the internet connection.
Same here, infact, when I purchased this laptop, Windows Vista didn't even get to the first boot; I erased the whole disk using the Hitachi Disk tool, then I installed OpenSolaris B87 - I haven't looked back since.
More and more games are coming to xbox, there will be keyboards, mice and so forth; big computers are going to be basically the realms of a niche few with most consumers going for laptop for work and a games machine for entertainment. Even Microsoft see that, hence their move with XBox 360 attempting to be the centre of the 'family entertainment'.
The move to laptops mean more standardised hardware, easier to install alternative operating systems - a rise in Ultra Portable as computers become nothing more than music playing, internet surfing, cheque book balancing, letter writing machines.
Member since:
2005-07-06
I've literally done virus/spyware cleanups that were less time-consuming than trying to remove all the pre-installed crap from a Dell/Acer/HP machine.
The worse part about these applications, they're not even remotely useful in the slightest. Now, if all the software they bundled were full versions, then it would be a great value. Imagine getting a full version of Nero ultimate (or what ever their super deluxe model is called) - for example.
The thinkpad I have was surprisingly crap free - it was loaded with Windows Vista Basic and hardly any other software - so it ran surprisingly well. As mentioned arstechnica battlefront, I pointed out that what Microsoft needs is a 'gold partner' programme to really lift the quality of integration out there.