Windows 7 beta represents three more years of innovation and development and therefore it is only fair to have new and higher expectations to the new version of Windows. The good news is that these expectations are being meet and and exceeded and that Windows 7 beta 1 is currently setting a whole new and higher bar for the quality of beta software.

I’ve been a dedicated and satisfied Windows Vista user for a couple of years now. Sure there were some challenges with Vista in the beginning (i.e. before Service Pack 1) in regards to the availability and quality of hardware drivers as well as issues of compatibility with some legacy software. However, the fact of the matter is that Vista has been running flawlessly and smoothly for a long time for me, across five different PC’s at home and at work. Also,Windows Vista far outpaces Windows XP on stability, security and an overall satisfying experience.

To proof this point, Windows Vista (64-bit) has for years been the operating system of choice running the media center at my home, thus servicing not only me but the entire family in all matters relating to TV viewing, TV recording, DVD, Blu-Ray, digital pictures, home videos etc.

All CD’s and DVD’s have been removed from the living-room to reduce clutter and free up shelf space for other purposes and because Windows Media Center simply provides much easier access and usage of digital content than these old physical media.

With small kids in the home it is great to be able to record favorite childrens TV shows and view them at the time suits everyone in the home – no more timing dinner with the TV schedule. Likewise it is good to able to quickly launch favorite DVD’s without having to first locate the DVD off the shelf just to learn that is has been scratched – i.e. at the age of 0-2 year my son enjoyed playing with the colorful DVD’s as much as he enjoyed viewing them.

The distinction between the rest of the family and I; represents an important difference in this particular matter. I enjoy technology for the sake of technology, while the rest of my family generally enjoys (read: expects) the promises of technology to present itself with a press of a button. Windows Vista has delivered in both respects to the content of the whole family for a long time now. Still it is time to take the next step with Windows 7 soon.

I’ve installed Windows 7 on three of my five PC’s. Two Laptops and a Netbook (eeePC 901) and the experiences are nothing but greatness and improvement all across!

I’m quickly getting addicted to the new desktop experience as well as the general improvements of Windows 7. And yes, it is  more snappy than Windows Vista and Windows XP on the same hardware. Sure there are some beta issues here and there, but non has so far kept me from work, nor play.

Working on my laptop at work has become even more fun and productive. Especially after reading “The Bumper List of Windows 7 Secrets” that describes a great list of tips for getting more productive and having more fun with Windows 7.

If you have a wide-screen display, try docking your taskbar vertically instead of horizontally. I’ve never done so before, but with Windows 7, this really makes a lot of sense.

I once made a promise to myself: I would never run any beta software (not the least a beta OS!) on my media center. This promise is currently being challenges with Windows 7 beta, but I’m holding on … at least for now.