This should be of no surprise to anyone... yes I just got Vista (Ultimate - $399) and have it installed on one of my machines.. thanks to having enough iron in my computer I can enjoy the functionality.. I enjoy Aero ( the new 'glass').. I love the sidebar feature, IE 7 rocks (tabbed browsing with thumbnails of all tabs), the Photo Gallery is very nice allowing me to ditch Adobe Photo Album, and I can now ditch Nero thanks to Windows DVD Maker.. Ultimate apparently comes with a poker game (whatever) and the ability to have yer background be a looped video (whatever).. the look and feel is very TIGHT..
I will be conducting my own tests (speed of file transfer, video/audio conversion, searching for content within files, usability amongst different members of my family and my own private brutual assault practices) so I will keep you updated.. but for now there have been no glitches and Im just spending my time clicking all over the place to get myself re-oriented with where things are.
For folks whom are having a hard time figuring out which edition ya want. Microsoft did a good job of providing just that.. a comparison listing on their website. 90% of civilization is prob good with the Home Premium edition - $159 (comes with Windows Movie Maker/etc bundled for your media/entertainment needs).
I do think Microsoft is takin some great steps towards the right path with this new release, even with how they are now kosher with letting you download the product (elite rulz!) instead of buying it off the shelf (newbie).. just make sure yer completely aware of the logistics to handle the download (the sucker comes on a DVD or 5 CDs)..
Now be aware that you definitely want to do a clean installation cause upgrading is a great way to confuse everything.. granted your applications/personal data would still be installed/available.. but all the junk from years past would be too.. so do yer computer a favor and backup your personal data, install Ultimate from scratch and re-install your apps. Dont blame Microsoft for your lousy installation / configuration practices!
Microsoft seems to push 'Easier.. Safer.. More Entertaining.. Better Connected' down yer throat.. jury is out on safer.. but i think the others definitely are delivered.. Say 'hello' to the new O/S that will rule for the next 10 years.. Im gonna go pull out Ethereal and see what kinda activity is exactly being sent out from my new Ultimate box.. figure out this 'Big Brother' nonsense.