Should You Upgrade to Windows Vista?

Bill Gates was executing a full-scale media blitz earlier this week trying to promote the release of his company's Windows Vista operating system.

What is Vista, and is it worth your time to go pick up the new product that hit store shelves yesterday?

Why you should consider Vista

Windows Vista is without a doubt the best looking version of Windows to date. The new Aero Glass user interface has sleek transparencies to make application windows actually resemble real windows, and the layout of the entire operating system has changed with the object of making it easier and more intuitive to use.

On the Vista desktop you have a sidebar now where you can dock tiny gadgets that provide information such as stock quotes, weather info, and more. Mac OS X users will recognize that this is simply a refinement of the Dashboard widgets from that operating system.

Also, search is integrated everywhere - even in the start menu - to make it easier to find what you are looking for.

And about the start menu - it no longer boasts the word 'start' - simply a round Windows icon.

Vista also makes broad claims about increased security and better networking capability, but I am waiting to see how it holds up in its first few weeks out of the factory before I pass judgment on these claims.

And the biggest reason to upgrade to Windows Vista - gamers who want the latest and greatest games will need to get Vista so they can run Microsoft's DirectX 10 platform, which several popular games will use when it becomes more widespread.

Why you should not be considering Vista

The main reason that you shouldn't be considering the upgrade to Vista yet is because Windows XP is still chugging along just fine.

The operating system which debuted five years ago still has two years of support left from Microsoft, and if it is still working for you as well as it is for me, why change it?

One drawback to Vista is application compatibility issues - so far, nearly every media application, including iTunes and Nero, is having major issues running on Vista.

If these two applications are having trouble running on Vista, how many of the applications you use everyday are going to have the same trouble?

The biggest drawback for me is the price - to get the Ultimate version which includes the Aero Glass interface will set you back $400.

Lower cost versions of Vista don't support Aero Glass.

Some other things to consider: if you intend to install it on your notebook, it will drain your battery much faster than usual; and to take advantage of DirectX 10 and the Aero Glass interface, your computer will most likely need expensive upgrades.

The bottom line

Even if you have a top of the line computer that meets Vista's steep hardware requirements and you have the cash to drop on one of the high-end versions of the new operating system, I recommend waiting to buy it.

Let some of the bugs shake out, as we all know there will be some. Let the price drop a little. Or just wait until you can't possibly squeeze another second of productivity out of that Windows XP system.

If you are interested in Vista simply because of the Aero Glass eye-candy, you seriously need to consider a Mac. The user interface of Mac OS X is much more mature and refined than Windows, and Mac's can now easily run Windows XP and Windows Vista alongside the native OS X so you don't have to worry about losing access to your Windows applications.

The bottom line: don't buy Vista, at least not yet.