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Bleeding Edge 067: Vanishing Point - Loki Sends Us A Vista Media Center PC

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Features, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software, Videocasts

So this Vanishing Point thing that Microsoft has going on is in full swing. Some think it’s silly, others are intrigued. Us? We think it’s an extremely ingenious way for them to get the buzz out there about Windows Vista, and we think that whoever wins is going to get a nice, big prize. We mean, like, really big. Nonetheless, Microsoft sent us a Windows Media Center PC loaded with Windows Vista Ultimate and Office 2007. This thing is the real deal with an AMD Athlon FX 5000+ dual core processor, 2 GB DDR-800 RAM, two 400 GB hard drives in a RAID 1 configuration, and a bunch of other extras. It seems most everyone else we know got a Ferrari laptop.

For all the info on what we know so far, check out this episode of the show. So see everything laid out, you can check the post we made specifically regarding the Vanishing Point clues.

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Vista RTM Is Buggier Than RC2?

Posted by Rob Stevens Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software

Windows Vista Bugs I’ve had the RTM version of Windows Vista on my Toshiba Tecra M4 for about a week now. Strangely, I’m having issues with the machine that didn’t happen in RC2. I think it’s all traceable to the nVidia video driver, which was updated through Windows Update right after the install completed. I’m getting massive video corruption coming out of sleep mode (making the machine unusable), to the point where I now have to hibernate the machine instead of sleep.

I can’t exactly fault Microsoft for this, except that the driver came through Windows Update, so it should have been checked for issues like this before it was released. Hopefully this can be sorted out before the widespread release in January.

Sony’s Chic VAIO N Series Notebook to Debut in October

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: PC / Laptop, Wireless / WiFi

sony n series notebook Sony’s chic new VAIO N Series notebook computer line is not only designed to be practical, it’s pretty too. Available in three colors, “wenge brown – a creamy, coffee-color made to resemble wood furniture; black for an elegant contemporary look; and white for a light, airy feeling.” The notebooks are Windows Vista-capable and have Inter Core Duo processors on select models.

Other Specifications:

15.4-inch widescreen display with XBRITE-ECO LCD technology
Windows Vista Premium ready
Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g
DVD±R DL/DVD±RW /DVD-RAM burner
DVgate Plus software

Sony’s N Series notebooks will be available to all the “pretty people” in October at an MSRP of $999.00.

Bleeding Edge Byte 028: Windows Vista Jacket Giveaway

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Announcements, Features, Microsoft, Software, Videocasts

In an effort to give back to our viewers, this Byte focuses on a giveaway we are doing. We are giving away a Port Authority Windows Vista rain-proof jacket to the one person who can explain to us why they want it - or need it - the most. Head to the forums to tell us why we should send it to you, and you may walk away with this one. So, get creative, and tell us why you should be chosen as the winner. Whichever response we deem to be the best wins.

Oh, and you must have a United States mailing address to be eligible for this one.

Bleeding Edge Byte 028: Windows Vista Jacket Giveaway

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Short Bytes, Announcements, Features, Microsoft, Software, Videocasts

In an effort to give back to our viewers, this Byte focuses on a giveaway we are doing. We are giving away a Port Authority Windows Vista rain-proof jacket to the one person who can explain to us why they want it - or need it - the most. Head to the forums to tell us why we should send it to you, and you may walk away with this one. So, get creative, and tell us why you should be chosen as the winner. Whichever response we deem to be the best wins.

Oh, and you must have a United States mailing address to be eligible for this one.

Windows Vista RC1 Available to the Public

Posted by Yuan Zhao Categories: Corporate News, Microsoft, Software

Vista is here for the masses On its website, Microsoft reports that “Windows Vista RC1 is available for participants of the Windows Vista Customer Preview Program. Please go to the Customer Preview Program website to register and receive a Product Key, which is required to install and activate the software.”

“Before upgrading from Beta 2 to RC1, please install any Critical Updates from Windows Update for Beta 2. Go to Start, All Programs, Windows Update, and click the “Check for Updates” button.”

The keys for Windows Vista RC1, the first release candidate for Microsoft’s upcoming operating system, were sent out via email to CPP participants. The download is a 2.5 GB ISO and Microsoft servers seem to be holding up well, as we am currently downloading at around 600 kb/s.

Here are the download links:

English: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/en/download.htm
German: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/de/download.htm
Japanese: http://download.windowsvista.com/preview/rc1/jp/download.htm

If you are not part of the CPP, don’t worry. Registrations will open in the coming weeks. The release candidate expires June 1, 2007.

Windows Vista RC1 Released

Posted by Yuan Zhao Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software

Windows Vista RC1 Released Despite rumors and speculation from testers of Windows Vista Beta 2 that the operating system was woefully incomplete, Microsoft has pulled through and released the first release candidate (RC1) earlier today. Windows Vista is the next-generation Microsoft OS meant to replace Windows XP, adding new features and eye-candy. Microsoft’s Jim Allchin posted an announcement concerning the release, but it is only availible to TechBeta or TAP participants. There is no word yet on the stability, usability, or new features in this release but it is probably safe to assume that the OS is considerably less problematic than the previous build. So, if you are a tester, hurry on up to download the file.

Windows Vista Pricing and Release Date

Posted by Brian Viele Categories: Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Rumors, Software

Windows Vista pricing and release information has been posted on Amazon.com for pre-orders. The listed release date is January 30th of next year.

The pricing is as follows (full/upgrade):

Windows Vista Home Basic $199/$99
Windows Vista Home Premium $239/$159
Windows Vista Business $299/$199
Windows Vista Ultimate $399/$259

Amazon also has pricing for additional licenses listed at what seem to be very high prices. With full versions of OSX priced at $129.99 for a single user and just under $200 for a 5-user pack and solid linux distro’s out there for under $100, Microsoft still remains the king of the high priced OS.

Boot Camp 1.1 Now Supports Windows Vista

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Apple, Microsoft, PC / Laptop, Software

Finally it looks like Windows Vista will not only play nice with Boot Camp-enabled Macs, but it will do so while supporting all of the new Aero effects as well. According to a few, the new pre-RC1 build of Windows Vista, Build 5536, works on Intel-based Macs. The installation procedure is exactly the same as if you were installing Windows XP SP2, so it should roll along without a hitch. The only downside for now is that not all the drivers are Vista-capable, which means your iSight and Apple keyboard will not work until that issue is resolved. Still, this is the closest we have to full Vista support on the Mac. If only the Parallels guys would get it together a little quicker so that we can run Vista alongside OS X.

Halo 2 Vista To Be Shown At Leipzig

Posted by Christopher Sasaki Categories: Bungie, First Person Shooters, Hardware, PC

Microsoft Windows Vista When Halo 2 was released in 2004, PC gaming fans hoped for a fairly quick release on Windows. However, it was ultimately announced that Halo 2 would be available exclusively on Windows Vista. This was somewhat puzzling, given that the Xbox version of the game was running on hardware that could easily be matched by PCs at the time. This week, however, Matt Priestley gives an update on the Halo 2 port that may give some insight into what gamers can expect. While more information will likely be featured when Halo 2 is shown at the Leipzig Games Convention, there are some interesting tidbits in the update. First, Halo 2 seems to be running decently under Vista, and was shown in 1920x1200 with 5.1 sound.

The audio and video portions of the game are also seeing an update, including new bump mapping effects, updated weapon models, and improved texture detail. Sound gets updated; Priestly indicates that sound effects are now better spatially located, and some tweaks have been made to vehicle sound effects. The other tweaks that were present in the latest build include support for the “mouse and keyboard” controls most PC gamers are used to and gamepad support. The article also hints at a new PC controller that may be available by the time Vista ships, possibly a gamer specific revision of the Intellimouse.