You know what would be really useful for potential Vista upgraders? A way to get the Windows Experience Index score before installing Vista. The Upgrade Advisor doesn’t quite cut it…
Why do I care (again)?
Towards the end of last year I was invited to become a Windows Feedback panelist (I believe this is the correct link). All I had to do was run a little tray application that monitored my application usage. In return I’d get a free copy of Vista Ultimate.
Since I have nothing to hide, I opted in. Today I received the payoff:
Neat, huh? I like free.
My main home machine is due for a reload. XP is feeling rather abused. I have too much Windows centric stuff going on, so linux isn’t an option.
I think it’ll run Vista OK, but I’d sure love to know the Experience Index before the install.
- AMD 2600+ (barton core) [yeah, I’m old school!)
- 1.5 GB RAM (I probably have enough laying around to make that 2 GB)
- GeForce 7600 GS AGP video (yep, AGP!)
- 70 GB Raptor 10k SATA boot drive
- Assorted 7200 SATA and IDE storage drives
What do you suppose will be my weakest link?
Possibly Related posts:
May 1st, 2008 
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How fast is the RAM? DDR400 gets you about 3 I think.
I’m betting the videocard, but it will be interesting to see.
@Andrew: I wonder if you won’t be right. Remember PC2700 RAM? heh…
@Dave: I’m hoping the card will handle Aero — it has handled all the MMORPGs that I’ve thrown at it recently at least.
I second the bet for the Video card. My second choice would be the proc. Keep us updated. This will be interesting.
My copy(ies) of Vista Ultimate arrived last Thursday, in packaging identical to what you recieved. I say copies because there were two DVDs and license keys in the envelope – one disc is 32 bit and the other is 64 bit.
I wrote up a blog post as not to bother you on your own blog: tinyurl.com/5akt2e
[...] I received a free copy of Vista Ultimate earlier this month, I’ve decided to give it a shot for home use. After all, [...]