Comments on: FAQ: Making sense of Windows 7 upgrade options

CNET News' Ina Fried walks through the basics and fine print on Microsoft's options for those who want to ensure they get the latest operating system from Redmond.

[azadam24]

Let me break this down for everyone real quick. Let's assume that most users don't really like having to do a "clean install" -- i.e. they'd like to have all of the files and programs stay just as they are when installing a new OS. Just the way MS wants it, as Vista users who installed the RC were (I'm guessing) thinking how cool it was when they installed the RC of Win 7 on their PC and everything was (and likely is) still there, meaning NO clean install was required. So hey kids, guess what? MS will NOT discount the Win 7 Ultimate, even though there is only a $20 difference, so with the current discount being offered on Pro and Home Premium versions it would amount to a whopping 10 BUCKS MORE at the current discounted rate good til 07/11. So what we have here is a classic example of "bend over, grab your ankles, and LIKE it!!" by MS. By not offering any discount on Ultimate, which is THE VERSION of the RC, even people such as myself that just bought the Pro version will still have to perform the dreaded "clean install". And for what? I will tell you -- they want to squeeze the other revenue out of you. Enough for now, getting a litle heated now...

[rutol16]

My partner works for a small business & got me a Dell Vostro w/ Vista Business on it because my laptop died ~ 2 months ago. I got it used & it was my 1st laptop _ with XP.

I had to forgive him _ he wasn't aware of the troubles with Vista.

Now I'm wondering which is the lesser of 2 evils:
1) Downgrade to XP (is it even possible?)
2) Upgrade to Win 7.

Any advice / comments are appreciated.
Thanks!