He he. I know, it's always wrong to spark an Apple-PC flame war. But this is just too good. After reading all the press about how Microsoft would not have an OS out for the holiday shopping season, thus helping to spark new computer sales (it's hoped), they release the release timeframe for "Vista".

Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday its Windows Vista operating system will cost the same as comparable editions of Windows XP, the current system.

The company priced the consumer edition of the new operating system, Windows Vista Home Basic, at $199. For consumers already running Windows XP, upgrades will cost $99.95.

But Microsoft hopes most consumers will opt to spend $239 for Windows Vista Home Premium, which offers entertainment capabilities such as the ability to record live television and connect to Microsoft's Xbox 360 game console.

Windows Vista Business, geared toward use at work, will cost $299; the company set the price for upgrades at $199.

Of course with the release will come that excellent, stellar tech support from Microsoft, which goes something like this: "Please call your PC manufacturer for help"...press one to kiss Bill's ass, two to kiss Steve's.

Or, if you have an issue with OS X, you can make a reservation at one of the growing number of "Genius Bars" at an Apple store, and get help from a real person. For free. Now that's a vista I like to see, as someone who uses both OS's and has for years.