Analysis: The early reviews for Vista were positive. Does that mean Windows 7 is doomed We make the rounds of some prominent reviewers to assess their insight (in hindsight).

Harry McCracken,Technologizer

Oct 13, 2009 12:01 am
PC World

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer isn't so sure about how folks are going to respond to Windowswindows 7. As Mary-Jo Foley says in a ZDNet blog post, Ballmer told Bloomberg that "The test feedback (on Windows 7) has been good, but the test feedback on Vista was good. I am optimistic, but the proof will be in the pudding."

Mary-Jo goes on to muse:

...I'm left wondering about Vista, as many are/were about the current financial crisis: Why didn't anyone inform us sooner of the impending meltdown? Weren't there warning signs? Where was everybody?

[Comments...]

   The reviews of Microsoft's new mobile OS, Windows Mobile 6.5, are in -- and none of them are glowing. It seems that Windows Mobile 6.5 is more of a superficial cosmetic overhaul, not a bona fide upgrade capable of handling the mobile market's stiff competition.

Brennon Slattery
Oct 6, 2009 7:12 am
PCWorld

John Herman of Gizmodo says, "Windows Mobile 6.5 isn't just a letdown -- it barely seems done." Herman continues to say things aren't much better underneath the hood, and a quick peek "reveals an OS that hasn't been fundamentally changed in years, and which bears a strong resemblance to Windows Mobile 6.1, and a startlingly not-weak resemblance to PocketPC 2002."   [Comment....]

Fees for supposedly free upgrades range from $11.25 to $17, says site

By Gregg Keizer
October 1, 2009 01:34 PM ET
Computerworld

 The free Windows 7 upgrades that Microsoft has promised buyers of new PCs powered by Vista are not always free, a consumer watchdog Web site said today.

"To me, whether it's $12.99 or $17.03, the charges are all outrageous," said Edgar Dworsky, the editor of Consumerworld.org and Mouseprint.org. "It's just a single disc they're sending, and with media mail rates, it costs just over a dollar to mail." [Comments...]

October 1, 2009 10:16 AM PDT
by Ina Fried
C/Net News

In a statement, Microsoft said that it has finalized the code for the free "XP Mode" and that the software will be made available on Oct. 22, the same day that Microsoft launches Windows 7.
Computer makers will also be able to offer Windows XP Mode with their systems, Microsoft said.
Microsoft said back in April that it would offer the XP Mode. Aimed primarily at small businesses, the virtualizaion layer is designed to help ease the transition for those still running programs that don't work properly with Windows 7 or Windows Vista. [Comments...]