Tomorrow's the big day.
Windows 7 will be officially unveiled in New York City and around the globe. It won't approach the excitement surrounding the release of Windows 95 years ago, but it's a milestone nevertheless.
Microsoft has a lot riding on Windows 7, but tomorrow's launch holds few surprises. The operating system has been in the hands of the public in one form or another for over a year. Overall, it's an improvement over much-maligned Windows Vista, but until recently, I was disappointed.
I now attribute this to running Windows 7 on older hardware. Big mistake! Yesterday, ASUS sent me a brand new
N61Vn Smart Notebook with Windows 7 factory-installed. The difference was amazing. What previously seemed like fodder for a Mac versus PC TV commercial became a great user experience.
Granted, the N61Vn
is a $1,300 laptop with an Intel Core 2 Quad processor and latest NVIDIA CUDA graphics. Nevertheless, I finally understand why others have so many good things to say about Windows 7. The right hardware is key, and in that regard, the ASUS N61Vn certainly fills the bill.
The unit has tons of power, but it's forte is multimedia. SonicMaster technology provides premium sound quality via 20mm-wide paper-foam cones. Together with Altec Lansing speakers, supported by SRS Premium Sound, the N61Vn provides crisp, clear audio reproduction and an audio experience on par with a high-end portable stereo.
Add a gorgeous 16-inch HD display, Blu-Ray DVD Combo drive, 8-in-1 card reader, 1.3 megapixel web camera, built-in Bluetooth, USB, SVGA and HDMI jacks, one gigabyte of VRAM, 4 gigabytes of SDRAM, and a 320GB 7,200 rpm HDD, and you've got an impressive package.
The wow factor doesn't stop there, either. The N61Vn boots in under 8 seconds and its multi-touch touchpad responds to more than a half dozen gestures, allowing you to scroll, rotate, as well as zooming-in and out. Three-finger multi-touch input also lets you switch between active windows, swiping to flip between pages, as well as showing 'My Computer' in one movement.
Nor can it be said that the N61 hard on the eyes, literally or aesthetically. Its superb styling features sunken-hinge design that provides a wider, more ergonomic viewing angle. For more about the remarkable N61Vn Smart Notebook, visit
ASUS.com.
With regards to Windows 7, however, take it from me. Unless you bought your computer within the last two years, forget about upgrading. If you want to enjoy Windows 7, buy a new computer. Otherwise, stay with what you have. Running Windows 7 on legacy hardware is like driving a Corvette down a street full of potholes. You get a taste of what it can do, but not like on a smooth stretch of highway.
Related LinksUsing the Web: A Guide for Businesses
Reaching new customers with Blogs, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter
A Free Seminar (Limited Seating) Speakers Jerry Seregni, Technology Specialist, WVUE Fox 8 Jeff Couret, WebNola Tamar Meguerditchian, The Marketing Hub, LLC
Date and Time
Friday, October 23, 2009
8:30am – 12:00 noon Place
Tulane University
School of Continuing Studies
Elmwood Campus
800 Commerce Road East
Harahan
(near S. Clearview Pkwy & Mounes)
Reservations: 504-865-5333 |
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