Posted 06/29/09 at 05:30:05 PM by Mark Edward Soper

If you were frustrated by trying to figure out which edition of Windows Vista was the right choice ("hmm...If I use Vista Business, I don't get Windows Media Center, but if I use Vista Home Premium, I don't get image backup..."), Microsoft has done us all a favor by rethinking the feature sets for Windows 7.

Yes, there are still multiple SKUs to consider, but this time, you no longer need to worry about what's left out if you move up from one edition to another. To find out how the different US editions of Windows 7 compare in features, what Microsoft is doing to satisfy EU regulators, and what it will cost you to pre-order a Windows 7 upgrade now compared to waiting until it ships, join us after the jump. 

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Posted 01/26/09 at 04:33:52 PM by Mark Edward Soper

"5" may be good for bargain lunch hunters or fans of loaded chili mac, but most Windows users would agree that "5" is way too many editions of Windows. Unfortunately, a leaked screenshot of Windows 7 Build 7025 suggests that Redmond is again going to offer five versions of Windows 7 when it ships: Starter (developing computer markets only), Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions, just as with Windows Vista.

Depending on who you ask, that's probably two or three versions too many. Unfortunately, unless Redmond changes its mind between now and Windows 7 release, it looks likely that the same "too many versions" problem that haunted Windows Vista will be back for Windows 7. There's one bit of good news, though. It looks as if an easy-to-use version of Windows Anytime Upgrade will be included in non-Ultimate releases so you can move up.

Which Windows editions should live on in Windows 7, and which ones deserve to be nailed to their perches? Join us after the jump and sound off.

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