Windows7 Take 1
February 2, 2009
I finally got around to downloading and burning a DVD of Windows7 beta.
It was a close run thing, as I was also busily downloading openSUSE 11.1; that’s next 
The first machine that came to hand was a splendid Dell Latitude D610, with the following spec.:
- Pentium M 1.8GHz
- 1.5Gb RAM
- Intel 915GM integrated graphics
- Broadcom BCM 4309 a/b/g wireless
- 14″ XGA (1024×768) LCD
- 40Gb 2.5″ IDE hard disk
No exotic hardware… so there were no driver issues
Observations during/post the install:
- At the very first “Get ready to install” screen, the helpful “Guide to installation” makes copious references to Windows Vista installation
- Once you press the “Go install” button you have the option to choose a partition on which to install Windows7.
- Windows does like its restarts
- I don’t mind, as I like the Win7 logo… I’m a sucker for the shiny lights, and cylon-like flashing bar.
- Having to enter a license key is still weird for me… as I’ve only ever used corporately pre-activated Windows builds and Linux.
- Faultless detection of wireless hardware, slick connection to the access point, smooth instant download of new patches. An altogether reassuring experience.
- The D610 scores a 1.0 out 7.9 on the Windows Experience Index…all due to the rather poor performance of the integrated video card. Doesn’t matter – I wasn’t expecting a killer gaming machine!
Altogether, a nice first pass.
Next up for the Windows7 treatment will be the Latitude XT (first generation) tablet.
[Edit: for handy Latitude XT installation notes, please see the comment from Andy. Nice one, thanks for sharing!]
