Posted 11/02/2009 at 02:44:39pm

Yes, proprietary.  I can only install OS X on (yes, overpriced) hardware I buy from apple.  Proprietary.  Before Windows 7, I would have said I'd be using OS X if I could install it on real hardware.  Now that I have windows 7, I'd say "nevermind, you can keep it."

Posted 10/26/2009 at 06:35:21pm

"...if you don't mind the risk of additional headaches down the line."

Posted 10/26/2009 at 06:32:53pm

The install doesn't care about your old windows XP/Vista keys.  You just have to have an activated copy of windows on your system to use the upgrade version, then you can use your Windows 7 upgrade key.

 I am glad that it acts as a standalone product because when I reinstall 7 every once in a while, I don't want to have to reinstall XP or Vista first.  It may be that a clean install will also work with the upgrade DVD on a blank hard drive in a new system, but that doesn't matter because no one should be trying to use the upgrade version as a full version.  If you're going to do a new build, get the OEM full version for about the same price as the retail upgrade.

Posted 10/26/2009 at 03:35:57pm

I love that they pitch is as being cheaper than a new system since they can't distiguish it in terms of competing with comparable SSD offerings. 

 I'd say it's a pretty safe bet that any minor upgrade is cheaper than buying an equivalent new system.

Posted 10/26/2009 at 11:44:35am

I went from 32 bit RC to 64 bit upgrade version.  It does require a clean install, so back up anything you care about.  If you try to use the 64 bit upgrade disk from the desktop of a 32 bit version of windows, it will give you an error message.  I booted from the 64 bit upgrade disc and went through the installation.  When it asked for my product key during installation, I left the field blank and continued  (this is probably not necessary).  After I was into my desktop, I manually activated using my upgrade key with no problems.

Posted 10/22/2009 at 05:27:13pm

gotta go ice my scrolling finger now...

Posted 10/20/2009 at 05:19:56pm

Did you also hear about those new core i7 chips that offer 1200% performance improvement over those Athlon 64 FX procs from 4 years ago...

Posted 10/16/2009 at 05:53:08pm

"If you have to go through all that, why not just buy a Mac?"

 Or rather why not just buy a new PC for less...

Posted 10/01/2009 at 12:21:10pm

The crysis line was old about 5000 uses ago.  Thanks,

Posted 08/14/2009 at 11:31:49am

You mean to tell me that your 2 systems running AMD's flagship proc released this year are faster than the one you have with a 3 year old mid-range intel proc!

Stop the press!!  I mean, Yawn.