Windows7 Take 1

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:

1. At the very first “Get ready to install” screen, the helpful “Guide to installation” makes copious references to Windows Vista installation
2. Once you press the “Go install” button you have the option to choose a partition on which to install Windows7.
3. Windows does like its restarts
4. I don’t mind, as I like the Win7 logo… I’m a sucker for the shiny lights, and cylon-like flashing bar.
5. Having to enter a license key is still weird for me… as I’ve only ever used corporately pre-activated Windows builds and Linux.
6. Faultless detection of wireless hardware, slick connection to the access point, smooth instant download of new patches. An altogether reassuring experience.
7. 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!]