So as bitched about Windows the other day, and even earlier today on Twitter, I've read another article about the Microsoft product that was interesting and pissed me off.

Earlier today, I was a little incensed to read that signs are pointing for Windows 7 to be more expensive than Vista (link).  Usually, this type of pricing for a new piece of software is normal.  But Windows is loosing serious ground - and Vista was seen as too expensive in a market where computer ownership is becoming cheaper and cheaper (not to mention free if you go with Linux).  I really want to build a windows box, but one of the biggest barriers is the cost of a transferable Windows license (only legit licenses here).  Why not price it just under Vista?  At the very least price it the same...

So what's my latest gripe?  Basically, Microsoft defines the specs that a PC segment can not surpass to get certain deals on the OS per certain segments. I didin't know this before, but it makes sense...  And now, it pisses me off...

Basically the specs Microsoft has set for a machine to qualify for Windows 7 "netbook" pricing is complete crap.  Here's the article (link).  Once you exceed those specs, the cost to license windows on that machine goes up.

Why is this a big deal, because it's hindering the development of a new processor class in the Intel Atom that I happen to think could be a big deal if it were allowed to develop as a mainstream processor choice.

This policy guarantees that there will never be a dual-core Atom in a netbook.  That was a specific requirement for me to consider one.  Hell, Microsoft even hit reverse in terms of maximum screen size (12.1" for XP/Vista will become 10.2" for Win 7).

While we don't know what the prices for Windows 7 will be, the price for a netbook license of XP is 1/3 of what a normal computer license is.  That's a lot of negative things in a short while for someone who wanted to put a few Windows machines into a stable that's primarily OS X.  Apple could hit pretty hard if they came out with their rumored netbook...

What got me to want to write this morning is my laptop, and it's weird effects on my current computer outlook.  It's just over 3 years old, but it's still got decent enough specs to do just fine for most things (dual core, 2gb RAM, 256mb dedicated video).  It needed a clean install about 8 months ago, so I put a nice, fresh copy of XP on there (not Vista approved).

What's got me is that it's so much crap for Windows to be there.  I'm fine with the occasional patch update, but the frequent "validation" of my completely legit software pisses me off to no end.  I'm software legit, and I don't like having my computer automatically question the legitimacy of my copy of Windows at regular intervals when I completely registered/activated it from the start.

I've had the OS X machine for around 18 months, and it still runs well without problems that couldn't be fixed with basic troubleshooting...  And I punish that machine with a lot of intensive work.  When I'm not working on it, it's doing charitable computing...  It's one hell of a machine.  And I've never had to validate the OS other than upgrading from 10.4 to 10.5.

Anyway, on a side note...  I am really getting sick of the marketing on both sides.  Apple is getting trivial and overusing a campaign, and Windows has just never got advertising to the likes of me (especially hiring actors and calling them regular people).

I'm still looking forward to Windows 7, just not as much as I would have been if things like this didn't happen.

When you order a program to open from the "dock" on OSX, it bounces up and down while it loads. What I immediately noticed was that it bounced in perfect time with the very distinctive opening cadence of Bulls on Parade. Was some Apple developer a Rage fan? Probably not, but it was a fun coincidence to start the morning with.

It's been a good week though. I was given time to adjust to a completely different computer (love the Chuck Norris quote widget I installed). On my third day, I started more training on DVD Studio Pro. This is a piece of proprietary software for DVD creation.

In terms of coolness factor for someone that does commercial graphics and production, it's right up there behind the two Adobe staples for me (Photoshop and Illustrator). I took 90 or so images from the wedding and made a fully functional DVD with a menu in about an hour. On my first try.

But I do linger on part of a Primus song today... "Funny thing about weekends when you're unemployed... They don't mean quite so much." I've worked much more strenuous jobs (physically and mentally), but I am going to value this weekend more than most in the past year or so...

The hardest part is getting used to a new platform. I took the plunge and decided to go mac at work - but fear not... I'll always be PC at home. OSX Tiger is very cool, and it'll be awhile getting used to the bells and whistles. Props to the mighty mouse though.

So I'm getting bombarded about memos, TPS reports, Groupwise, and the command key. Thankfully they have tea here so I can continue my healing.