So ... obviously, to run the OpenGL games, you've got to upgrade the nVidia drivers. When I was testing XP, the newest signed driver I could download was the Detonator 3 12.41, and it wouldn't run worth a hoot.
James, I'm not sure what you are arguing about, exactly. I definitely think you are missing the point of my first post. It's normal that a new OS will have driver problems and a few compatibility issues.. And yes, Win2K had the same kind of difficulties ... even a few more. That's to be expected when a home user tries to run a game in an OS meant for a corporate desktop, or install a cutting-edge 3D accelerator card in that same OS.
My point being ...
XP is being touted as yet another consumer desktop replacement, (unlike Win2K) and of course, it's not exactly ready in every sense of the word. I didn't expect it to be, and no one with any brains should think that a MS operating system is going to be great guns out of the starting gate. (Whether it should be, or not ... that's a different story.)
However ... at this point in time, why buy it at all? Where is the actual advantage, beyond bragging rights?
One ... it will need a few more months for the manufacturer's to catch up with the drivers.
(It's true that this OS is slightly better in this regard than Win2K was at the same stage of the initial release.)
Two ... for the average user, while it might be a big jump from Win98, in my view, the better upgrade for that same user is Win2K. It's far cheaper, and a more mature OS.
Sure, you have to add the service packs. But try to name a Microsoft OS that <i>hasn't</i> needed a service pack or two. MS may have caused the terms vaporware and bloatware to come into existence in the first place. Not to mention memory leaks and security holes and macro viruses.
I just don't see the reason for jumping on the XP bandwagon, especially if you already have Win2K. There are very few new features, and those that <i>are</i> included are more like LE versions of the real thing. If I run it, I'm still going to want a third-party firewall, a burning program, my preferred DVD software, and a decent program for remote desktop sharing. Just like in Win2K.
So what do I get for the extra $130.00 to replace my version of Win2K besides a slightly faster boot and brightly colored desktop skins? I don't even see a real performance advantage to using DirectX 8.1. Do you? A five FPS increase (which is what I observed with a GF2) isn't much to holler about.
For my customers, sure ... they have the choice. And since most of the newer users are going to know nothing about a machine beyond what they have seen on a TV infomercial, the majority of them are going to request XP.
But I think I can save them some money by offering to install Win2K, instead. And pass along the savings to them, instead of charging an extra $70 to $130 per license.
If they need a driver ... they can find one. Neither of us will have to sit around and wait. That will make my job easier, as I will actually be able to get all their hardware running. And they won't think I sold them a piece of trash.
I talked to a woman yesterday that told me her favorite method of fixing her Dell was with a hammer. I <i>think</i> she was joking, but I decided to let that go by. I certainly don't want her to have the same attitude about the new machine I'll build for her.
I won't have to stop and teach them how to use a new interface which is anything but intuitive for someone coming straight from Win98. Neither will I have to explain Product Activation to them, all the while reassuring them that, no, Mr Gate's (the devil incarnate) isn't going to keep all their personal info in a secret database and sell it to the highest bidder.
The same programs that run in XP will run in Win2K. More, really, since there are still quite a few programs out there that need to be patched and/or updated. Maybe not the one's that <b>you</b> are running ... but it's the nature of people to have eclectic tastes, and you never know what someone's favorite program is going to be.
I think that your reputation is based on how well you perform. And right now, WinXP isn't going to enhance my business interests ... but it <i>will</i> keep me on the phone, troubleshooting problems with 60 year old housewives with little patience, who think that a $1000 machine ought to do the dishes, tap dance ... and never fail.
In other words, in two days, I can kiss my already limited free time goodbye. You can tell that I'm thrilled, right?
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I may feel differently about the OS in a year. The driver database will be on a par with the "norm", and hopefully, the price will have dropped. Then I won't see any real advantage between the two OS's. The Luna interface can always be disabled if one doesn't care for it, and I suppose some people will do almost anything for a computer that boots faster.
But right now ... no, thanks.
Can you think of anything special about the new OS that might change my mind ... something that is worth asking my customers to fork up the extra loot when they order a new machine from me? And what advantage will I see on my home system?
Personally, I think my money would be better spent in upgrading a router, or something. Or taking the cash and prepaying my broadband account for eight months.
Maybe I'll just take a vacation and get some sleep!
Take it away ... the podium is yours!
Toejam31
<font color=red>My Rig:</font color=red> <A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847" target="_new">http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?rigid=6847</A>
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<font color=purple>"Have you noticed how much they look like orchids? Lovely! ... Robert A. Heinlein"</font color=purple>
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