Buying a Windows Computer Sucks
February 27, 2006
The Puli Brothers need a new Windows-based computer. Frankly, they would rather not buy another computer with Windows as their Mac iBook and Mini are running great and the Brothers almost never have any problems with the hardware or the Mac OS X operating system.
But for their work the Brothers need to know what is happening with the Windows OS, and therefore they need to keep a couple of machines running the latest versions of Windows. The Brothers main ‘production’ computer is a three year old desktop with an Intel Xeon processor and a gig of RAM. It is running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (XP SP2). Everyday it seems to run slower and slower. Their backup computer is a laptop with an Intel Pentium III processor and 512 megabytes of RAM. It is also running XP SP2. This computer is failing fast—about a year ago the built-in LCD monitor stopped working so the Brothers just hooked up an external one and squeezed a little more use out of the box—but now it is definitely on its last legs. The Brothers know that one of these days they are going to turn it on and nothing is going to happen.
But now is the worst time to try to purchase a new Windows-based computer. Microsoft is working on a new client version of Windows—Windows Vista—and the current hardware specifications are extremely hard to interpret. Oh you’re probably okay if you select the fastest processor and as much RAM as you can afford, but the real issue is the graphics support.
Vista will have new graphics support code-named ‘AERO Glass’, which is based on the new Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM). It seems that the best graphics adapter for WDDM will feature its own graphics processing unit and its own memory. But just try to find out whether an exisiting graphics adapter can support WDDM. Especially if the graphic adapter is built into a laptop.
The Microsoft Web site offers little or no help on the subject. Sure there is an overview of the requirements and then a pointer to graphics vendors such as AMD, Intel, and Nvidia. But next to the link for each of the manufacturers is the disclaimer: “Note <vendor> is supplying this data and is solely responsible for its contents.”
So if you interpret this wrong, and the machine you purchased won’t run AERO Glass then, well Microsoft isn’t responsible, and what chance do you think you’ll have with the graphics vendor?
Another component that could prove critical to getting the full value of a Vista-based computer is a Trusted Platform Module (TPM). But finding out if a computer includes this, or what version of the TPM is included is next to impossible. Ask most computer sales reps about a TPM and you will get a resounding, “Huh?”
But even if you ignore the fact that there is a new version of the OS coming, the experience still sucks. Suppose you wanted to buy a computer with a 64-bit processor. It is likely that most of the models you will find in most stores or on most Web sites come with a 32-bit version of the OS, typically Windows XP Media Center edition (even if there is no TV tuner included in the system). Ask about a 64-bit version of the OS and the person in the store will mumble something incoherent about your not really wanting or needing a 64-bit OS.
And frankly it is only going to get worse. Today you typically have to understand the differences between three flavors of Windows: Windows Home, Professional, and Media Center. Sure there is a Tablet edition too, but if your not looking at a Tablet this isn’t an issue. But in the future, Microsoft is going to offer some six or more versions of Vista. If the OEMs and retail stores cannot help you get the best value—the version with the features you need at the best price—with only three choices, what chance do you have with six?
So instead of having a great experience and feeling excited about your new computer purchase, the reality is you will be leaving the store wondering if you made a mistake.
Don't want to have buyer’s remorse the next time you buy a computer? Then the Brothers suggest you look for a Mac.