Windows Virtual PC and Windows XP Mode RC

Locked-down-to-Windows-7-and-processor-virtualization-crippleware-product-with-all-possible-IFs-and-BUTs-that-eventually-doesn't-even-insure-full-application-compatibility.

So if I want this capability I have to own Pro or Ultimate. If I also want be able to install MPEG-2 (DVD playback) add-in I have to get the Home or Home Premium version. I know I must be missing something here because I don't think MS is screwed up enough to make me have to dual boot between two different versions of Win 7.

"If I also want be able to install MPEG-2 (DVD playback) add-in I have to get the Home or Home Premium version." Says who? That was only true of Vista Home Premium vs Business.

@kent: Also, Ultimate always had DVD playback (with Vista), and still does. They've also said that Windows Virtual PC will run on a Home Premium, but it's unsupported (home users shouldn't need virtualization, and if they do, they would be a power user, and Pro is the product for them). Virtual PC 2007 SP1 still works fine on Windows 7 too, so that's the option that's available (or any 3rd party VM solution that you prefer) if you don't have hardware VT.

kent, check the chart AGAIN. You have "MPEG-2 decoding" (Yes for H.Prem, pro, ult), and another line "Can install MPEG-2 (DVD playback) add-in" which has "yes" for starter & home. Obviously no need for "can install" for others when they already have it installed. Btw, like Wae said, Ultimate had DVD playback in Vista as well, and Business had optional plugin. So basically, all editions have DVD/MPEG playback available, in some it's built-in out of the box, and in some you have to install it as plugin, but it's there for everyone. That includes Vista as well.

@kent909 "I know I must be missing something here because I don't think MS is screwed up enough to make me have to dual boot between two different versions of Win 7." Upper windows editions are strictly supersets of lower windows 7 editions...

n/a = not applicable n/a= not available n/a = not acceptable Does anyone think that this is just complicated and over analyzed? Would it just not be cheaper and easier to offer two versions like XP, Home and Business and be done with it? Remember this is code and no raw materials are needed to create these different versions so costs are the same. Sheesh! as Dvorak would say.

"Remember this is code and no raw materials are needed to create these different versions so costs are the same." When you pay for 100 TV channels, you are paying for the ability to watch only those channels even though your satellite/cable box can stream 3-400 or whatever your provider carries. What's your point?

I'm really curious as to why the even more powerful and very much related RemoteApp (TM) feature from Microsoft is not getting any coverage at all? It' stunning that Paul has not covered it. This is a localized version of RemoteApp, where RemoteApp programs are programs that are accessed remotely through Terminal Services and appear as if they are running on the end user's local computer. Instead of being presented to the user in the desktop of the remote terminal server, or in this case, localized VM, the RemoteApp program is integrated with the client's desktop, running in its own resizable window with its own entry in the taskbar You'll gain a much better understanding by reading the technical documents here, http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc753844(WS.10).aspx Think of how XP Mode works, only better! ... and this most def pokes a sharp stick into the eyes of those saying there is nothing new in Windows 7, or that it is just Vista SP3.