If you are reading this site on a computer running Windows XP, Vista, or something unspeakably older, you are probably trying to decide what computer and/or operating system you are going to buy over the coming months.
With the launch of Windows 7 on 10/22, and the already available Snow Leopard, there are actually two competitive operating systems to choose from.
Let’s get this taken care of immediately. If you are a dyed in the wool Microsoft or Mac person, just stop reading. Your mind was made up a long time ago.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s move on.
CNET did a review of the two platforms benchmarks which you can read in great detail.
Here’s the Cliff’s Notes version:
Snow Leopard performed a better in the study than Windows 7. It also has better battery life.
However, Windows 7 had better benchmarks for gaming… which is good since damn near any serious PC gamer is running a souped up monster PC anyway.
Your decision should be based on four criteria:
- What can I afford? If you are broke, don’t get a Mac. They are expensive.
- What will I use it for? If you are thinking about getting a Mac, make sure that the current software meets all of your needs (This really isn’t a big issue anymore, but it was a few years ago).
- Do you have any crazy peripheral devices that you need and are platform specific? This isn’t too common anymore, but if you do, compatibility will dictate your choice.
- Do you game a lot? If yes, you already had your answer.
Personally, I will stick with Apple for now, and run Windows 7 on Parallels, not because I need it, but because I can.
That’s about it.
In a week or so we will be posting a Windows 7 PCs buyer’s guide that will list a variety of PC’s in all price ranges that are worth purchasing.
~ syndicated by TheGeekWhisperer.com
The Geek Whisperer 
I upgraded to Windows 7 over the weekend. There is a noticeable speed increase when opening programs and unzipping large files. I had to do a full install since I went from Vista Ultimate to 7 Professional – it still backed up all of my user and program files, so the transfer of all of my personal stuff was quick and easy. I did have it backed up anyway but it was nice not having to wait for everything to transfer from an external drive to my desktop. As for eye candy, I’m quite impressed with the taskbar all around – especially how it takes the dominant color of the program’s icon and uses that for the hover/active color.
So even for those not looking for a new computer should upgrade. It’s quite worth it (so far)