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Windows Vista: Not Worth the Hassle?

I really do know better than to buy a new version of Microsoft Windows within the first year of its release ["First Vista PC Tests," News and Trends, March], but when my trusty notebook with Windows 2000 Pro started going south, I realized I had to buy a replacement. The day after Vista debuted, I went for a Gateway notebook with Vista Home Premium.

Hardware: Super. Software: Yuck.

Despite the notebook's having a gigabyte of RAM, a fast dual-core CPU, and a ton of hard-drive space, I had to turn off Vista's seductive Aero and all its CPU-intensive eye candy.

Next, I found that many of the productivity programs I depend on are broken. Trying to install them in some cases gummed up my new laptop. I've done several system restores as a result (conventionally uninstalling these pre-Vista versions is sometimes impossible).

On the hardware side, my Bluetooth USB plug needed an upgrade, too. One was available, but the installer seemed confused as to whether I needed to have Bluetooth already running.

And my multifunction printer-scanner-copier-fax is, for now, just a printer. My notebook Webcam, hardly more than a year old? Dead meat, according to the maker, although I discovered that a driver for a newer model works.

Finally, the Macintosh/Windows TV ads have it right: Vista constantly asks you questions or permission to do, seemingly, even the smallest of chores. Vista acts like airport security on steroids. I may gulp hard and try to install XP or Win 2000 on this laptop. A hassle, but it may be cheaper than buying all the third-party fixes hidden in Vista's price.

Ronald M. Legro, Milwaukee

I recently purchased a $900 multifunction color laser printer with software that's incompatible with Windows Vista. HP told me it might have the software for Vista--by the end of July this year. Other firms I contacted, though--CyberLink, Executive Software, Logitech, and several others--have Vista software available now.

Thomas J. Roveto, Haverhill, Massachusetts

Microsoft recommends using its Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to see if your PC can run Vista. But the Advisor is not perfect. After using it and getting a go-ahead, I bought Vista Home Premium. Halfway through the setup, a message said my PC did not meet Vista's ACPI BIOS compatibility requirement. My Toshiba Satellite laptop is only two years old! When I called Toshiba, a rep said they didn't know when or if the company would put out an updated ACPI for Vista. Searching the Web, I found a lot of other users with the same problem.

Joe Mateus, New Bedford, Massachusetts