Being that the new i5 and i7 class of processors from Intel are boasting some pretty nice new features including, yes… Hyper Threading has been re-implimented there’s reasons to be excited. Couple that with the greatly anticipated retail release of Windows 7 on October 22nd, which Intel reportedly worked with Microsoft on to make their processors and the Windows operating system work at a greater efficency we arrive at a perfect storm. All of this means one thing, LOTS of power for a low low price.
These releases mark milestones in the computing world. Windows 7 is the first version of Windows to seriously beta test, take input, listen and respond with positive changes to the operating system. Windows 7 is also the first operating system since Windows 98 I personally will be installing at release rather than waiting for the first service pack release. I can’t hide the fact that I’m excited but this release is like an early Christmas, I have played with the beta and enjoyed it the ease of well… everything! I don’t doubt for a second this release is bound to even make the most die hard Mac Addict to take a second look.
These new processors and Windows don’t just mark a milestone for PC users. It marks a time for Apple, to both be proud and at the same time question. Why be proud? Well, from the outside I would say that in part this new version of Windows is not only because Microsoft knew they had to do better, but because they had to do more then some hugably cute commercial that had 5 year old making a slide show, they had to put a shot across Apples proverbial bow. Without Apple lobbing hits at at Microsoft over the last few years and over the dismal Vista release I don’t know that Microsoft or Apple would be where they are today.
With all that hype, marketing and banter Apple has also gained, oh boy have they gained. The question for Apple now is can they live up to their hype in the real world. Until now most everyone knows that Apple computers have claimed to be “Fast, Hassle and Virus Free” but that could be changing. As Apple’s market share has grown so has their viability to attacks from hackers, virus writers and others. Which until now hasn’t been a big concern but Apple has a problem, one that was pointed out at a hacker and security conference this summer. Apples problem is their OS is not as hardened against nor as well tested against attacks in the real world, their OS has more code leaving them more vulnerable than Windows. A few of these vulnerabilities were even pointed out at the conference and Apple given notice of their public discussion prior to a fix being released. In the end only time will tell if Apple simply survives this storm or thrives within it. Either way, we the consumers and professionals are likely to be the winners.
