Pretty cool...Windows Me upgrade is only $54.00

[Wingnut]

Not that it's exciting news as far as it being useful but since when does Microsoft ever charge below $80.00 for anything having to do with it's revered operating systems. From what I hear it requires over 200MB of disk space and all you're really getting is a modified desktop theme, a new media player (big whoop), and some software that's supposed to help you edit digital video and create cd's (that could be useful). Of course that price is only for a limited time. Buddy of mine says it's not worth it but I'll have to see for myself.

 

[Rastus]

On ZDTV Screen Savers they said it was more stable than Win98. I've never had any problems with the old stuff. You can download the new media player from Microsoft.

 

[Russ]

A full install of Me is about 400MB. I've been messing with it for several days on my test bench and it is 98SE with a more colorful paint job. It is not worth upgrading to if already running 98, BUT it is worth moving to for new builds. Large database that substantially reduces the need for drivers and patches.

It also appears to be just as resilient as 98SE when it comes to hardware changes. I've done about a dozen motherboard swaps covering EVERY current chipset, and it hasn't burped yet.

BTW, the new media player sucks a big one.

Russ, NCNE

 

[Raspewtin]

Russ,

have you found it slower than 98? That's what I've heard. Just wondering if it's true.

 

[Wingznut]

I've had ME for a couple months now, and I really like it.

The biggest improvement is the new TCP/IP stack. My (cable) download speeds have increased 25%. My highest d/l speed is 100kb/sec more, then with win98.

 

[chipbgt]

<< BTW, the new media player sucks a big one >>


Your not kidding. Why cant they just keep it simple?

 

[Wingznut]

There's an &quot;Upgrade&quot; version for ~$80, and the ~$50 &quot;Step-up&quot; version.

What's a &quot;Step-up&quot; version?

 

[Russ]

For some stuff it is slower, some it is faster. It boots much faster, but some basic functions like opening Control Panel, or some of the system tools load slower. But, there are some tweaks that can be done to improve this. Apparently the &quot;protection&quot; features are running in the background and slowing operations. If these are disabled, it's supposed to speed up quite a bit.

In multitasking, I've found it to be quite a bit slower than 98SE, but, again, this may be that extra layer that's running underneath.

Russ, NCNE

 

[chipbgt]

I believe I will stay with Win2k...while not perfect, its good enough for me.

 

[Russ]

Wingznut PEZ,

The Step Up applies to 98 and 98SE, the upgrade to earlier Windows.

Russ, NCNE

 

[BlkDragon6]

Has the updated TCP/IP (like windows 2000 NT builds) which speeds up your cable connection.

Boots up extremely fast.

Seems to be much more stable (not too sure on this one).

One word.. hibernation.

A really cool option to make your power button poweroff, sleep, restart, or hibernate.

 

[Stark]

does the step up include all the cab files like the 98 upgrade? Just curious.

 

[Wingnut]

Wingznut,
The step-up version is the one that's only going to be available for 50.00 for a limited time.

From what I'm hearing here, it sounds like it might be a good idea to go with it. I really don't know if I want to risk my stability though. I've heard of problems on shut down and restart where it actually lead to lost files so that is scaring me a bit.