Microsoft took a bunch of XP users on a supposed test of the Next Version of Windows.

The punch line is they were actually testing Windows Vista and Microsoft duped them.

If some of the early reporting is correct Windows Vista got a high approval rating.

This does raise an interesting point that the negative PR that vista gets has tarnished it’s brand name.

Take “Vista” out of Windows and people have a different point of view.

There is one glaring problem with this experiment. They chose one hardware candidate the HP Pavilion DV 2000.

More than 99% of Windows Vista Users use something other than a HP Pavilion DV 2000.

It would have made for a much better experiment if they got those 120 users to bring their own machines in for the test. Then the approval rating would be more realistic.

I suspect this campaign may backfire. Lets wait and see.

I have learned something new….if you want a Windows Vista laptop get the HP Pavilion DV 2000.

Link: http://www.mojaveexperiment.com/

Dell still remain the overall markets number two player behind HP however their Q2 2008 PC shipments were up an impressive 11.9% and in Q2′08 beat HP.

HP only grew by 5.6% HP however have just refreshed their major product lines so I imagine this will even out in the next couple of quarters.

The new number three player in the PC game in now Apple (See Ya Later, Acer) who managed to ship 38.1% more PC’s in Q2 2008 compared to Q2 2007. So out of the three (HP, Dell and Apple) Apple looks like the rising star.

Ill say it again “If Apple shipped on Windows HP and Dell would have a significant problem on their hands”.

Link: http://www.gartner.com/it/page.jsp?id=724111

This is the HP Touch Smart2. It looks great especially if you revisit their first Touch Smart offering (Below) from the Windows Vista Launch period.

HP have also refreshed their various laptop models.

This is the 6930.

I am a big fan of metal encased laptops. They feel and look so much better than plastic.

This is the 6730

All in all these products look great

Link: www.hp.com

Well this time last year Windows Vista wasn’t ready for consumers buying new PC’s in the run up to  Christmas (2006).

This year is pretty much the same a “better” version of Windows Vista (SP1) is on the distant horizon but new PC’s won’t be shipped with Windows Vista SP1 pre-loaded until  late Q1 2008 but more likely Q2.

If you get Windows Vista this holiday period chances are you are going to be upgrading to SP1 sometime early next year and good luck with that. The upgrade process as I understand it, is painful.

My buying tips for getting a PC for your home this Christmas are:

1) Skip Vista and go buy an Apple iMac. See www.apple.com/uk 

On a serious note at least you can take one for a test drive at their retail stores.

However If you insist on Windows Vista then:

1) Get the fastest one you can afford, Intel Core 2 Duo is a great way to go.

2) Get a minimum of 2GB of Ram and a decent video card.

3) Stay away from Windows Vista Basic, Go for Windows Vista Home Premium.

If you want a different form factor then check out the HP TouchSmart IQ772

Link: HP TouchSmart IQ772 

It has a touch screen interface which would be a great way of getting kids to use technology or for flicking through your music collection on screen.

I don’t really like the styling all that much but a touch screen would be cool.

HP are currently offering the 2840 with a £200 cash back scheme.

This brings the cost down to around £260+VAT

At that price point this device becomes attractive to the Small Business User.

Here is what it does.

1) Colour Laser printer.

2) A4 Flat bed and Document Sheet Feeder Scanner.

3) Fax Machine.

4) Can be used as a photocopier.

Basically all the things a small office needs.

I spent a morning setting one up and testing it against various tasks. Printing/Scanning etc.

Pro’s

Has onboard network connection as well as USB.

Memory Card Reader

Video based install guide.

Acceptable Colour laser output quality.

Can Scan to PDF.

Con’s

The scanning and printing speeds are slower than expected, not terrible exactly, just leisurely.

Weight, you need two people to lift the thing. Note the box it comes in is 26″ Wide.

Consumable costs: This device has a separate Drum, and 4 toners. The Black toner is £35 and the Colour £45 each, The Drum £79. 

Noisy.

Conclusion

Ideal for a small office (5 or less people) for light to moderate use. At the current price including the cash back this is a lot of office technology for your money. 

Note the cash back offer ends 31/01/2008

Links:

Other Review Link: http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/printers/0,1000001029,39233878,00.htm

Official Product Page

Link about Cash back