Re-Launch Contest #20: Canon Vixia HV20 HD Camcorder

[Jason Dunn]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&modelid=14869' target='_blank'>http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/c...7&modelid=14869</a><br /><br /></div>Here's our 19th and final giveaway, courtesy of the <a target="_blank" href="http://windowsvistablog.com/">Windows Vista team</a> at Microsoft: a <a target="_blank" href="http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&amp;fcategoryid=177&amp;modelid=14869">Canon Vixia HV20 HD Camcorder</a>, valued at $999.99 USD, will be given away to one lucky winner. This <a target="_blank" href="http://www.productsofchampions.com/">Certified for Windows Vista</a> device was <a target="_blank" href="http://www.digitalhomethoughts.com/news/show/31439/canon-s-hv20-a-high-definition-vista-certified-delight.html">reviewed by yours truly</a> late last year, and it's a truly fantastic HD camera that works great with Windows Vista. Here's a bit about the product:<br /><br /><em>&quot;The stylish Canon HV20 gives you the ultimate in HD video and digital photo quality with advanced features for the knowledgeable and demanding videographer. Among the Canon Exclusive features on the HV20 are Canon's own Full HD CMOS sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor, ensuring meticulous detail and superior color reproduction. More exclusives are, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant Auto Focus. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the HG10 is the right choice in High Definition camcorders. And, with its HD and Standard Definition recording modes, you can make the move to HD without making your SD equipment obsolete.&quot;</em><br /><img border="0" alt="" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/dht/auto/1205984729.usr1.jpg" /><br /><br /><strong>Here's how to enter:</strong> just post a message as a reply telling me what operating system you're using on your main PC, and why. XP? Vista? OS X? Linux? No OS flame wars here, I'm just curious about what people are running on, and why the chose it. There's one post per person allowed, and one winner will be randomly chosen. The contest will stay open for entries until April 7th, 2008.<br /><br />Special thanks to the Windows Vista team for their donation of this awesome hardware!

[Bob Christensen]

Wow... what a prize!
I'm still running XP on my main computer primarily because I see no compelling reason to upgrade--at least until I buy my next computer. XP has everything I currently need.

[brianchris]

I'm running Windows Vista Ultimate. I love the new look and feel, but mostly I love UAC (believe it or not). I know I'm one of about 4 people on the planet that love UAC but its true...it helps protect computers and makes managing users without admin rights REALLY easy. That's a topic for a different thread though.

Thanks for the contest and for such a great prize!

[jrmfzf]

Great prize! I'm currently running XP. Mainly because I don't think my new system could handle Vista and I haven't collected the cash to buy a new system, but I'm also pretty content with XP and am still waiting out Vista for the kinks to be worked out.

[Dyvim]

Windows XP. Because it's stable and all my Microsoft IDE's (Visual Studios 6, .NET, 2005, and 2008) run fine on it without any conflicts or issues. I can't risk having Vista-related problems when it comes to work productivity. None of the devs at my company are using Vista on their main dev machines yet even though we test our programs on Vista machines of course. Plus I don't need anything Vista has to offer- XP is working just fine for me.

[Civisi]

My wife and I were just discussing video cameras last week. We're going to start trying to have a kid in June or July, and I want a camera before he or she is born.

As for operating systems, I run Vista Business on my HP TC4200 TabletPC, but I'm going to downgrade back to XP because the TC4200 really doesn't have enough power for Vista. I really like Vista's tablet functionality much better than XP Tablet Edition, but the speed just isn't there.

My desktop PC is running XP Pro, but I have Vista Ultimate on its way to my house soon thanks to the Windows Feedback Panel. I recently upgraded it to be 100% Vista compatible in preparation for this upgrade. I'm running XP Pro because that's what was available when I built it, and I'm not running Vista because my system wasn't 100% compatible and the cost of upgrading hardware and the OS was too great. With Vista coming for free, I could justify the cost of hardware.

Thanks for the contests! You make entering easy!

[Reid Kistler]

My main system is set up to dual-boot to either XP MCE (what it shipped with) or Vista (which was sent as a Free Upgrade some 3 or 4 months after system purchase - a fairly common practice when this system was bought).

Vista looks pretty, but actually spend most time in XP: that is where all the Apps got loaded, and have not found any Compelling reason to change over for daily use...


You managed to find an incredible array of items for the Re-Launch Contest (!), and it has been fun reading about them - several of which were unfamiliar prior to seeing them here.

Thanks for the contest, and Good Luck with the sites!

rkistler / se mi

[wynand32]

I would be happily using the Vixia in Vista Ultimate. I use Vista because I find it to be far more reliable than XP (or any other OS I've used, for that matter), and it has a number of little tricks that make computing more efficient.

[wardseward]

Wow... what a prize!

I'm running XP. No desire to go up to Vista. And can't afford a Mac. :)

[cmchavez]

Currently using Windows XP SP2, mainly to ensure that there are no software support\compatibility issues with software that my wife uses frequently.

Have my fingers crossed for such an awesome prize! Thanks again for all of this!

[mclemore]

On my primary laptop I am using Vista and absolutely love it. I'm not a power user by any strecth but think Vista is the most stable windows OS yet. My only complaint is the file copy speed.

At work all of the computers I manage (25 or so) are running XP. This is primarily because of the expense it would take for my institution to upgrade to Vista would be too great. Also, most of my computers are used to run chemical analysis instrumentation. To upgrade, I'd have to buy new versions of the instrument software which in most cases costs upwards of $1500-$2000.

Great prize BTW.

[Outlaw94]

I am using Windows Vista Premium partly because I just bought my new Dell in November and partly because I do feel that Vista is an upgrade to XP. I love the security features and why there is a slight learning curve in trying to find where they put certain things I believe it is worth it.

[khay508]

Running Vista Enterprise SP1 at work and XP Medial Center at home.

[cfaslave]

I run XP on all of my PC's including SageTV HTPCs, digital photo frames (just because thats what was on there) and work PCs.

Reason: XP is mature, it works, I know it and I don't have any need for the additional "features" or extra demand on PC that Vista makes. Apple intrigues me, but not enough to have multiple OS's across my computers. Linux might be used by me eventually, but mainly for special purpose PCs

Thanks for the opportunity - great Prize!

Brent

[mcwilliams132]

Vista Home Premium - chose it for my new Dell. I wanted media center (although - due to how I network my Xbox 360's I can't really use it.) I like the parental features.

Awesome prize!

[DocGolden]

Currently running XP on my main machine. Why? B/c I haven't seen the need to move up to Vista yet, but I'm thinking about it for the summer...

[apwillis]

Windows XP for me. I tried Vista for a few months but decided to switch back to XP.

[djdj]

XP Pro on my main machine, mostly because I don't trust upgrades and don't have any compelling reason to move to Vista. Not to mention that I don't really want to spend three days reinstalling software. :)

[lynnroth]

Vista Ultimate x64 at work, XP Pro at home.

Vista x64 allows for better usage the 4GB of RAM in the system.

XP at home because no real reason to upgrade the box.

[srsabu]

I have a triple-boot setup (XP, Vista Ultimate, Ubuntu) but the machine spends most of the time in XP, followed by Ubuntu and then Vista Ultimate in last place

Why XP predominantly?
1) Wife Acceptance Factor - she's used to XP and whenever she uses my machine she wants it to look like what she's used to
2) IDE support - I just recently moved my last project out of Visual Studio 2003 and into 2005/2008, and VS2003 wouldn't run under Vista
3) Lack of any compelling Vista-only software to provoke the switch
4) Familiarity - work is still XP only due to various software packages not running under Vista so it simplifies the transition back and forth between machines

[gstenger]

I'm running Windows XP. I have the upgrade disk from Dell for Vista, but I won't install it due to some of the software concerns I have. I am most worried about incompatiblities with SQL Server 2000 and Dreamweaver 8. I can't afford to have any issues since my company's web app relies on me having these software packages working flawlessly. My next computer will probably have Vista.

[richhand]

Still using WIN XP. Tried Vista on my "Windows Vista Capable" machine, but it wasn't usable, so went back to XP. This is my main machine.

I do however have an entertainment system PC that is running Vista. This appears to work well, although it feels sluggish when performing non-MediaCenter functions.

[paschott]

Windows XP Pro - SP2. I am running on an AMD 1700+ - that's just too slow to run anything else except perhaps Linux. I'd consider switching to Linux, but if I can't get some of my wife's key apps to work (like Print Shop from Broderbund and the more recent versions of MS Office - 2003/2007), then it just won't work for us.

XP runs fine and really does everything I need it to do. I've seen very, very little in the way of new features that gives me a reason to upgrade. Add in the cost of an upgrade and it's really not worth it for me. Am I the only one who misses going to the store to buy MS-DOS for $30 and MS Windows for maybe another $50? Windows 95 upgrade for $100? :(

Thanks for the contest. I appreciate the merged accounts as well.

[Stinger]

Windows XP MCE.

It's stable, it's fast, it has great driver support and I'm used to it.

[Phronetix]

OS X Leopard in all three systems.

Why? Because I like it.

:-)
Dennis

[canux]

After dozens of traditional MS-based PC's, I just bit the bullet and bought an iMac a few months ago. I have been thinking about it for a few years, but Bootcamp was the feature that made me jump in (time to diversify my OS portfolio). I was mainly lured by the hardware.

I dual boot OS-X and Vista Home Premium...being able to boot Windows was a must for me, as there is still software that I use that is only available for Windows and I wanted to be able to go to a known OS, if I was getting frustrated in the learning process. I like having the option of using the two OS's...there are certain things that Windows does better. But, I must say that OS-X is pleasure to use on so many levels. It is much faster (in my opinion)...boots up in seconds...install and remove programs in seconds (i.e. MS Office 2008 in under a minute)...wireless connection happens right away, not a few minutes later like in Vista (for me).

I also have an OQO running XP Tablet and love that device for when I'm away from home.

[gcherian]

Vista on my main PC. I started out with the beta as it came out and over the course of time got used to the eccentricities and decided to stay with it.

George
(Now, ship my HD Camcorder!!!!!...lol)

[elipsoid]

Wow, I hope I win this one.
I am using Windows Vista SP1. I used XP before and was quite satisfied, but I like to try everything new, so I went for Vista. I can see mainly cosmetic changes, but that doesn't mean that's wrong :)

[joffrey]

Hi Jason,

I run Vista Home Premium, this because I replaced my main machine with a Dell XPS M1530 recently. Since these only come with Vista i took the plunge. I have to say, so far i'm really happy with it.

I actually keep 'searching' the menu at work where i still use XP, Vista users will know what i mean; click Orb, start typing the program you need (usually 3 characters are enough) and hit enter :-)

On my Media Machine i run Vista Ultimate for a while now, basically since i got that license from work to test the new OS, and i''m really happy with the new Media Center. My only gripe would be not being able to change sort and/or remove tiles from the menu.

Cheers,
Joffrey

[DWAnderson]

Vista Ultimate SP1- some of the new features are nice and I figured I'd have to switch to it eventually.

[moko]

We're gradually replacing our old Windows machines with OS X and Linux the operating systems of choice. The never-ending problems I have with Microsoft products has worn me out.

[blang]

I am using XP. That was the only windows operating system available when we bought a new pc.

[sundown]

XP Pro. I use a lot of applications, some of which are small and lesser-known. I also have quite a few add-on cards and frankly I'm concerned there won't be drivers for all this stuff/Vista versions. XP works great for me so I see no reason to upgrade. I was a Vista hater until I got it on a new laptop and ended up liking it.

[makicr]

XP on my "main". Vista on my Laptop (which is used more frequently than my desktop).

XP on my desktop as I am too lazy and cheap to upgrade. Laptop Vista as that is what it came with.

That said, I like the features of Vista better.

P.S. Did you miss giveaway 19?

[n2sooners]

I'm using XP on both my machines. I just don't see any reason to upgrade. XP is a great OS, and for gaming on my other machine, it is supposed to be faster than Vista too. I do plan to upgrade this year and the new system will be running Vista to take advantage of the dx10 capable graphics cards it will have.

[timmy]

I am using Windows XP simply for the reason that my laptop was delivered with it preinstalled (works great though). Having heard about all the different issues with Vista from friends haven't made me eager to upgrade.

I want to take the opportunity to thank Digital Home Thoughts and Jason for this great contest! Of course I hope to win, but good luck to all of you!

[GreatDay]

I'm using XP on a Dell Inspiron 6000 and why is easy---it came with it, i know it, i hate change, i especially hate that transition period and having to reload all my favorite accumulations. Got my son a new computer with Vista and i lost track of how many times he came in to tell me what else doesn't work with it--like the old printer. Vista seems absolutely fine and i would use it. I just don't like going thru OS transitions.

[Cold Flame]

I run Windows XP w/ SP2. I continue to run XP because it's bullet proof with the way I have it set up right now; all my drivers are where they should be and I have no issues with stability or anything else. Until Vista can prove to me that all it's inconsistencies, glitches, and driver problems are resolved, I will stick with what works.

As an aside, this camera is absolutely gorgeous and I can only hope/dream to win such a beautiful piece of equipment. Thank you Jason for running such great sites, and for running these contests.

PS: Shipping charges wouldn't apply if I won, I'm local to you! *laughs* =) Hope ya had a great trip.

[zeke009]

...<strong>Here's how to enter:</strong> just post a message as a reply telling me what operating system you're using on your main PC, and why. XP? Vista? OS X? Linux?...
What am I using?
Windows Vista Business.

Why?
I got a free copy through the "Power Together" deal for Office 2007 Pro and Vista Business that ran last January. After using it for the last year and with the release of SP1, I'm confident in saying that it would have been worth the $$$ to purchase an upgrade in my scenario.

Honestly, for what I do at home Vista works perfectly fine. I don't have any legacy hardware that I REALLY needed to use. I had an old photo printer doc from Kodak, but I received a new HP color printer with Photo Print capabilities and that works 100 times better than the Kodak dock ever thought it could.

I have Windows XP SP2 running in a virtual machine and some linux in VM's as well. WinXP was primarily for my fiancée to use until we brought her computer to the house (WinXP MCE) and with the linux VM's, I've been messing around with server virtualization and virtual networking stuff. All of which is running on my Vista box and without any problem what-so-ever.

[David Horn]

Vista Ultimate SP1. I was involved in the Vista beta and got a free copy as a thankyou. Mind you, having experimented with both Ubuntu and Mac OS, I'm happy with Vista. I think the detractors are just a small, but vocal bunch.

[leslietroyer]

I'm using vista ultimate on my main computer, mainly because I got free and wanted to play with media center to drive my TV thru the xbox 360.....


Les

[Master Loon]

Running XP would like vista but cost extra fro new graphics card. plus it seems to still be buggy

[bjctsm3]

Windows Xp, because it came with the PC.

[jlafount]

Windows Vista Home Premium

[simon.brown]

I am running Windows Vista Business 64 bit.
My new laptop came with a choice of Vista 32 bit or 64 bit. I took the plunge and chose 64 bit and have not looked back since.
It is rock solid.

[dtanderson]

Very nice prize.

I am running Windows Vista Ultimate 64 bit because I like running the most current OS (even if it is not that great). Plus with it being free from MS for beta testing does not hurt :) After turning of UAC and setting the start bar to "classic", it is much more bearable.

Denis

[rogerben]

I'm running Vista Premium SP1 on my laptop and the original release of VP on my Media Center.

On the Media Center, the reason is obvious... VMC is just much slicker than MC2005, and we're startinganything. to see some cool, Vista-only plugins.

On the laptop front, it's the little stuff. I much prefer Vista's start menu, for example, and after spending lots of time with it, I now prefer Vista's Explorer interface to XP's. I also love Vista's search facilities... I use them daily, while I virtually never turned to XP's search for anything.

[dh]

Vista Ultimate on my main photo processing PC.

I built it myself so I knew that Vista was gonig to be the standard for a while, so I decided to go for it.

So far it has been a great experience, everything is really fast with the Q6600.

[Gordo]

XP, because Vista will not run on the main machine!

[John Lane]

Right when Vista came out, I ordered a new desktop. I chose Vista over XP. All the previews said it was very stable, but not that much of an upgrade - just eye candy. But since I liked XP so much and it was so stable, I thought Vista would be stable and with more eye candy.

Boy was I wrong!

[Iglesiab]

I am running XP on my system. Biggest reason is that I have my XP setup exactly how I like it.. settings, programs and files and I have no inclination to start fresh on vista.

brian

[idobi]

Vista SP1. Have been running Vista for over a year on 3 PC's with virtually no problems. I chose it mostly for the eye candy and the improvements over XP under the hood.

Thanks!

[flooder]

Vista Ultimate SP1

The main reason is that I can't let an OS come out without running out an buying it. It's sad.

[Gabs00]

Windows XP.

I'm using it because it came with my computer when I bought it. Right now, there is no reason for me to upgrade and I don't think I ever will unless I buy a new computer.

[cwiltgen]

I use Vista SP1 (32-bit), because I like to be running current stuff.

I've been using Vista since beta, and my complaints are actually few and far between at this point. Still, I'm not sure that I'd be less happy with XP.

I'm now wondering when to make the leap to 64-bit now that apps like Lightroom support it. But the migration path seems painful.

-- Charles

[yoda16]

I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium. I'm using it because I built my system around the same time Vista was released and I put a new Nvidia 8800GTS Direct X10 video card in it. I wanted to be able to take advantage of direct X10 for gaming. Although not many games can take advantage of direct X10 :confused:.

[jaschultze]

I use the Mac. After years of being a PC consultant, I don't want to "fix" my own computer when I come home at night. I switched about 2 years ago, and I have become almost an evangelist since. Of course, I do have Windows XP running in VMWare Fusion, for the things like Microsoft Project, Access and Visio.... The corporate world that I'm in demands that I use those programs.

[hhsimpson]

I use Windows XP. Reason is choice of programs and drivers.

[kbpcman]

I'm running XP Professional. I don't want to spend money upgrading to Vista. I do run a live CD distro of linux every once in a while.

[ptyork]

Both my primary computer at home and my primary computer at work are running XP at the moment. My home computer doesn't have the oomph to run Vista and my work computer (which would have the oomph) must run XP since that's the supported standard. Ironically the only PC I have running Vista (Business) is a brand new MacBook Pro 17 with Leopard running Boot Camp / VMWare.

Once again, thanks for the great giveaways and for all of your thoughts sites!

[stan]

vista, comes with the laptop.

[Richard OKane]

XP SP2 ... mostly because it's the only OS that my company allows me to use :)

[supreme_one3]

I'm running XP, but I'm thinking about getting Vista soon. Once the price drops a bit.

[EscapePod]

My main PC runs with Vista Ultimate. I built the PC with top of the line components specifically to run Vista. It has run flawlessly, and for me, Vista is perfect.

So far, only one issue -- I can't get SP1 installed. I've worked with MS Support since 3/18, with no success on this PC. I should note that the SP1 upgrade has installed flawlessly on 3 other PCs I have built -- just not on my "main" one. <bummer>

[mboone]

Vista Home Premium - I would run Vista for the start menu search box alone!

[spacehippie2k]

Vista Home Premium. I bought my computer just as it came out, and I thought I'd givie it a try. I haven't had a problem with it yet.

[OKCrew]

Vista Home Premium... if you count my HTPC as my main pc. I am using it in this reply on a 101" projection screen. Use Vista for enhanced MCE features. Everything has worked fine from upgrade XP 2005 MCE. Especially since SP1.

Also, what happened to Re-Launch Contest #19?

[dshep2020]

Vista Ultimate SP1

[bcre8v2]

Vista Home Premium SP1!

[hongky]

XP Pro, because it's the best for Gaming

[toddbil]

Still running XP MCE 2005. PC Still works and haven't decided if I want ot go with a new PC with Vista or jump to a iMac.

Todd

[r90a22]

windows xp pro. haven't had a good enough reason to upgrade.

[Joel Crane]

I'm running Windows XP Professional, because it is proven, reliable, popular, and it runs well on my old 933mhz Celeron :).

I also dual boot with Ubuntu Linux. I've mainly started using Linux because I want to learn about it, but I also love Compiz Desktop Effects, it makes every other OS look retarded. Windows Vista Flip 3d? It just makes me laugh!

[rzanology]

as of right now im using a ibm t41 with vista on it. it replaces my 8 month old macbook with vista which i dont use any more. i want to use the macbook but i cant because of the silly issue with macbooks and lynksys routers. apple refuses to believe its an issue so they wont patch it...thus my t41 is my work horse.

[riley4077]

Vista Ultimate...my hard drive crashed and my HP XP Media Center 2005 backup discs were scratched up. So I had to upgrade...so why not go all the way!

[abloom]

xp because it came with the computer

[haveblue128]

This is very simple and runs contrary to much of the "Chickenlittlezze" I have read even in the pro trades that Vista is a deadly OS.

In short, both my laptop and desktop had run on XP Pro for under 2 years. Each OS was becoming increasingly unstable even with different software manifests and uses. I tried reinstalls on both but that did not improve my situation. I had a free copy of Vista Biz and finally took the plunge 2 months ago.

I am happy to say that the following: 1) Simple transition-no crashing drivers albeit I checked; 2) Greater ease of use than XP although a few functions are too "dumbed down" for my tastes. and 3) The improvement in speed is great. 4) Virtualization is a wonderful thing that adds elasticity.

I am a happy cybercamper with a quick machine. The Wars between the Apps for power have ended. The video is superb-the graphics card was worth it. I love Vista and have got the WOW! The Canon Camcorder would make a perfect addition.;)

[mamoleh]

Windows Vista Ultimate!

[TheScream]

Main OS: Windows Vista Ultimate 64bit SP1
Why: Because once you have a certain level of hardware and compatibility, I find Vista 64 bit is faster and more stable than XP. On any machines with less than 2GB of RAM, slower video hardware or less than 1.8GHz CPU, XP all the way.

Alternate why: Because I don't own a Mac Pro.

[wesk]

I'm still running XP.

I'll be building a new PC in the very near future and I'll load Vista Ultimate on it.

Wes

[alese]

I have tried a lot of operating systems, but for now I'm still completely on XP.

My home computers can't really run Vista, Apple is too expensive and Linux just not worth the bother and at work XP is standard anyway...

[keoni34]

Great looking camera!!!!!!
Still using XP because of all the bad press about Vista. Also XP works just fine for my needs without having to worry of the headaches others are having.

[Filip Norrgard]

I'm using Vista since it is faster than XP was on my notebook and putting the computer to sleep really works in Vista! Plus, ReadyBoost speeds up my computer so much more that I can postpone buying a new computer... :)

[andrewpmoore]

I use vista home both my machines, one for media center, the other for surfing and photo and video editing. I chose it as it came with both machines.

[Andy Dixon]

I'm using XP on my main PC as it's used for gaming mainly and XP is far less of a resource hog than Vista. However, I do have Vista on my laptop which I quite like actually, just a shame it uses so much resources.

[Kacey Green]

I run Windows Vista Ultimate Edition on my main PC and my laptop.

I watched Vista grow up during the public beta and most of the compatibility issues for me were not as bad as people made it seem (the sky is falling, and none of my apps work). The Windows Vista team gave me a copy of Ultimate for my desktop and I purchased one for my laptop.

So I guess "why" is because I feel Vista is leaps and bounds ahead of XP, I can't name one feature though, it’s all the little changes. In addition, I would feel like a sellout trying to downgrade after running the beta on production systems, (Since beta 2 anyway) that and the free copy prompted me to purchase a copy sooner than I would have. I like to keep my systems running the same environment that includes the OS, and I made several people upgrade what would it look like if I didn't practice what I preach.

[jaxim]

Again, this is the kind of device I would be buying soon anyway in a few months when my daughter is born.

I'm currently using Vista Ultimate on my main computer. I personally prefer Vista over XP. There's not many noticable changes but of the ones that there are, I think some are very useful: i.e. start typing within the start menu and instantly search for a program.

I really wish my company would upgrade all their XP computers.

[fslongo]

I took the plunge and am now running Vista, and I have to say I like it.

[Broo2]

Currently I am running Windows XP Pro on my main PC for gaming/driver compatibility concerns- and so I can use remote desktop to my PC from the office (the 'home' versions of Vista do not have this).

I have toggled between XP and Vista Home Premium a few times, but always returned to XP after a few weeks.

My roommate's PC is also running XP pro- and I am her tech support.

I do have Vista Home Premium on my Laptop; I also have a little Mac Mini running OS X 10.5- mostly for iTunes/iPhoto...

[cjhpe]

Great prize!! I am running Vista Ultimate SP1 on my work desktop, work laptop, personal laptop, and 2 personal desktops. I love the new interface and really haven't had many issues that I haven't been able to work through. Although I am still working on my AD policies to get them to work the way I want them to in Vista vs how they worked in XP. I also love the parental controls and how easy they are to setup. Thanks again for the great prizes. J...

[Jon Childs]

Windows XP, because it came with the computer.

[Heatwave316]

I use XP with serice pack 2. I haven't upgraded to Vista yet, because I need a memory upgrade for my computer. I have 2gigs of RAM, but I've heard that for the best running conditions, you should really have more than that. Plus, my computer is 6 years old, and in computer years, I think that's equal to about 50 years old. So, I'm thinking I need a whole new computer to really use Vista.

ANyway, that's probably more than you wanted to know. :)

This is a great prize!!! Thanks for running the contest!!! I have all my fingers and toes crossed for this one. :D

[hubermsdj]

I'm running Vista Home Premium - it is what came with the machine i purchased last summer. (Decided not to build my on machine this last year as it spec'd out cheaper to buy and had the same level of performance) I have been happy with Vista, have had problems but nothing critical.

[The Yaz]

My home network is all XP Home. I haven't made the switch because the desktops came with those licenses and I am sure they do not have the hardware to run anything more than basic.

I do not see any difference between basic and XP. I'm sure that will change when MS stops issuing updates for XP.

Thanks for having these contests!!!

Steve

[Neil Enns]

I run Vista! Why? I work for the Evil Empire. Which, sadly, likely makes me ineligible for this prize :(

Neil

[awinner]

XP and Linux, XP to play games and use outlook with the exchange server, Linux for programming, source control, and all my work. Why XP -> campatability with some mandated programs. Why Unbuntu-> easy to setup, easy to extend, and I need access to apache, SQL servers, and programming tools that don't cost me more than I make.

[dgage]

I use Windows Vista because I want and need to use a Windows machine for work. I upgraded to Vista when it was released, briefly went back to Windows XP a few months ago, and am now happily back with Vista. Vista may not be perfect but I do think it is better and more stable than XP.

David

[lunchroom]

My main machine runs WinXP Pro SP2 because I've got too many important apps that I don't have time to test/verify on Vista. Just not ready to make the jump and there's nothing in Vista that's compelling me to purchase it. Besides, I think the HV20 would work better on XP Pro :)

[mrozema]

I run Windows XP Media Center Edition.

I do so because I have a Hauppauge TV card in my PC and use my Xbox 360 as an MC extender.

[vission]

Vista Ultimate.

It's in need of a good rebuild....

Vission

[John London]

Great prize!

Primary laptop (HP DV9500t) runs Vista Ultimate x64 SP1. Great to have 2 slots for disk drives, 640GBs and 4GBs of RAM in a laptop. Just fantistic!!!!

--John

[buckyg]

I'm running XP on all our machines. (my desktop, wife's desktop, work laptop). I'll probably go to Vista whenever we replace our home machines.

[peterawest]

I'm running Windows Vista Ultimate on my IBM Thinkpad and another flavor of Vista on my Dell desktop.

I've been using visit on the Thinkpad since the early beta, and finally moved my desktop to Vista about a year ago. Everthing works great except my older HP LaserJet 1012. Thankfully someone came up with a solution that lets my printer work again with Vista, just not with all of the features.

[PeeVee]

I'm using Windows XP Pro on two PCs. I use it because it is easier to network than Vista.

[ReDeVil]

still using XP on my lappie....see no reason to change....compatibility issues with drivers put me off purchasing vista.......stability is of utmost importance to me when choosing an OS..

[jspear]

Windows Vista Ultimate.

I upgraded specifically for the inbuilt photo and video mangagement tools. That and the inbuilt search from the start menu. Couldn't live without that.

[Non-Geek]

I am using Win XP. It comes with the purchase of the computer and I am pretty happy with its performance. I don't have money to buy a new computer yet -- and I am not too thrilled with Vista just yet. Hope I win the prize. Thanks.

[umbricht]

Still using XP. I try to use the same stuff at home that we use at work. Thanks!

[mrwickham]

Mainly Vista, but would happily plug this baby into my C2D xp box at work.

[jdepew]

I'm using Vista SP1 on my laptop which is rapidly becoming my main machine. Vista because it came loaded on it. My main desktop which I hope to be able to retire soon still runs XP SP2. If I decide to keep it around, I'll reformat when XP SP3 is available.

[gibson042]

My main home computer runs Kubuntu, which I switched to after my old Windows 2000 machine died. XP always struck me as a bloated non-upgrade of 2000, and Linux (which let me upgrade OS components without replacing the OS) had finally reached what I considered a sufficient level of GUI usability. As a bonus, multi-platform software is a breeze to develop now that I no longer need Cygwin.

My work computer runs Windows XP, because we write software for an exclusively Microsoft stack.

[BelgiumGuy]

I'm running Windows XP and the reason is very simple. That's the standard OS in my company and my PC is a company one.

[ScotJeepBoy]

I'm running Vista - or walking Vista the way one walks a three-legged, senile dog: with lots of starts and stops, deep sighs, and pent-up frustration. I bought the PC just before Vista launched, and it came with a free upgrade from XP. I mistakenly took advantage of the upgrade. I miss XP . . .

[PubERB]

Running Windows Vista Ultimate, mainly because is more secure, I hope :D, and I have too many confidential documents in my laptop.

[rtrueman]

I'm using Vista Ultimate and love it. Sure, there were driver incompatibilities at first, but the OS works great for me. The new search feature is a must have for my uses and I love the interface.

[Knight57]

My main computer is running XP Pro. As it's been stable and compatible with my devices (& drivers), I've stayed with it.

I did go with Vista Ultimate on a new laptop, but I really haven't experienced the benefits of VU.

[merk1821]

Windows XP primarily. Both my main desktop and my laptop are using Windows XP as their OS. That being said, i have bough a mac mini to get my feet wet in to the Mac universe. I am considering a move to OS X as my primary OS and having XP in a BOoot camp set up but i have to sit down and do a complete revamp of my home computing setup.

[follick]

Windows XP. I have a Vista license also, but I see no reason to use it yet.

[tal]

Mainly running XP. But I recently bought a new PC with Vista which I use as my main PC right now. Unfortunaltly it is only "Home Premium" and I'm missing the advanced backup options of "Buissiness" and "Ultimate" but the upgrade to Ultimate is WAY to expensive ...

[Ivan]

I currently run Windows XP because that's what my HP notebook came with when I bought it almost two years ago. It does have the "Vista capable" sticker, but with all the reports of Vista issues out there, I would not venture to upgrade yet. Maybe in about six months once Vista SP1 has been out for a while and no major problems are reported.

[tabi13]

I am running Windows XP SP2
Its my choice because
1. I am familiar with Windows
2. Its a stable OS thats not TOO resource hungry
3. I am a gamer and better performance of my games on XP compared to VISTA on similar spec'ed system has kept me from upgrading to VISTA

[wilkinsjme]

Hmmm wanted to post this back on sunday but due to the downtime wasn't able to. Hope the contest is still open due to the site downtime.......

Using XP because that is what the computer came with. And I don't see a need to upgrade for what I use the computer for (email, web, picture and video editing). Getting ready to upgrade so I will probably be running vista by the end of the year on the new box.

[rwelch]

My main home computer is running Windows XP, and my work machine is a Mac.

[dynamius]

I'm currently running Windows XP because it still works, and I don't yet want to deal with the task of doing a fresh install just yet. :)

[entropy1980]

my main PC is Vista, however I run Leopard on my mac!

[Gen-M]

I run XP Home on my WiBrain B1H because I have not gotten around to upgrading it to XP Pro.
My work laptop runs XP Pro because they don't like the alternatives.

[txa1265]

I use Mac OS X whenever I can ... but as a gamer and working in a PC-centric company I need to be flexible ... so i use BootCamp to WinXP. I have a decent Dell XPS laptop as well, but my MacBook Pro is 90% of my life!

Why? Because it is Mac and Unix all at once, and it just plain works for me. I am an 'older' computer user, having taken an Apple ][+ to college with me and I have used everything from Unix to Linux to BeOS to OS/2 to NeXT to whatever else has come along. But I have always liked the functionality of the Apple OS.

[LindaP]

We are running XP on our Dell Dimension 8250. Our video camera is getting old and we probably won't be able to get tapes for soon, except on the black market!. A new camera would be great to record our 2 children (2 and 4 years old)

[AggieJon]

I'm running Windows Vista because it came on the laptop. It's not perfect, but I've never had any real problems with it.

[uzziah0]

I use XP, because I am not sure about getting Linux working on my PC with all of my HW, and XP works fine for me.
I'm not interested in Vista, because I'd have to buy it; and I don't NEED it yet.
I'll probably look at Vista for a next computer, but the PC I have now is working just fine. (other than needing a little more RAM)

[is this over, it is after 7 April?]

[fromamerica]

I use Windows XP right how, soon to move to Vista. I was waiting for SP1, so now there's no reason not to move, right? :rolleyes:

[dave_p_1]

XP
Vista
Linux

My home desktop dual boots Windows XP (because I was holding off for SP1) and SUSE Linux. My laptop (actually the OQO, a UMPC) runs Vista Business (because one of the biggest benefits of Vista over XP is the handwriting recognition and ink integration).

[jerboa]

I'm still running XP on my main PC.

I don't see the need just yet to take the plunge to Vista although I probably will when it comes time to reimage this PC.

[6 Feet More]

I'm running Vista Home PRemium on my recently pruchased Dell. It's the first system I've had running this OS. It's nowhere near as bad as many make it out to be. In fact, I like it.

Of ocurse, I'd LOVE the camcorder for my out-West trip coming up with my 12-year-old son, too. We're driving down Route 66.

[just_me]

Linux cause it works even when I don't want to :rolleyes:

[KevinM10]

XP. Because it works with all my hardware and software.

[dbng]

I'm running XP. Mostly because I haven't had the time to invest in upgrading. Especially after watching my brother-in-law's attempt at the Vista upgrade crash and burn horrifically.

[mclaugh]

OS X- Leopard, specifically. It's just so much easier to use, so much less stress- I don't worry about malware, etc.
Plus, I learned unix in college, so I feel comfortable when I need to get 'my hands dirty'.

I still have XP loaded on, using it through VMware- but no Vista in my house.

[Jason Dunn]

Contest officially closed - no further entries will be permitted. Please check the front page within the next 96 hours to see a list of the winners.

[raaden]

Using Vista on the Main since it's main purpose is as a media pc running Media Center Recording for use on x360 and the interface is so much better in Vista