According to the most recent REALTOR®.org Technology Report1, 63% of real estate professionals surveyed are still using Windows® XP and 31% are using Vista. That translates into a large number of potential users who are faced with the question, should I switch over to Windows® 7? We'll give you the facts and let you decide.
What the reviewers are saying
It's often what the technology critics say that give us the insights to make our buying decisions. If you're considering making the switch, many of the reviewers are certainly in favor of persuading you to do just that. Read their comments:
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"After using pre-release versions of Windows® 7 for nine months, and intensively testing the final version for the past month on many different machines, I believe it is the best version of Windows Microsoft (MSFT) has produced. It's a boost to productivity and a pleasure to use." —Walt Mossberg, Wall Street Journal (10/7/09)
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"…Windows® 7 is more than just spin. It's stable, smooth, and highly polished, introducing new graphical features, a new taskbar that can compete handily with the Mac OS X dock, and device management and security enhancements that make it both easier to use and safer." —Seth Rosenblatt, CNET editor's review (7/31/09)
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"Windows® 7 is… —a solid OS with plenty of modern eye candy that mostly succeeds in taking Windows usability into the 21st century….Upgrade without trepidation, people. With excitement, even." —Matt Buchanan, Gizmodo (8/5/09)
What you can expect once you switch
Windows® 7 Professional and a new HP Business Desktop or Notebook PC gives you the power to:
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Boost your efficiency: A new HP PC with Windows® 7 Professional can run up to 330% faster than your old computer while using up to 55% less energy2.
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Work faster: Check your e-mail, calendar or contacts without booting up your notebook PC using HP QuickLook 33.
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Work longer: Enjoy improved battery life. Power management is built into Windows® 7.
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Save time: Start your PC quickly with speedy startup, shutdown, sleep and resume from standby.
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Work from virtually anywhere: HP laptops work anywhere you have cell phone service with Gobi Global mobile connectivity4.
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Get more protection:
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Windows Defender helps protect you from spyware and malicious software.
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HP 3D DriveGuard protects your hard drive, and the information on it, from drops and shakes.
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HP File & Disk Sanitizer5 enables you to completely remove confidential files after you no longer need them.
Making the switch - know your options
HP is ready to help you make a smooth transition to Windows® 7.
Option 1 - Buy new - HP desktops and laptops are equipped with Windows® 7 Professional pre-installed.
Did you know, as a REALTOR®, you qualify for product discounts on direct HP purchases through the REALTOR® Benefits Program?
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Get over $1,000 in software and services offers and up to $2,000 in rebates7 for your business with any HP hardware purchase. Learn more about HP Access.
Option 2 - Upgrade - You might be able to start using Windows® 7 on an existing PC.
Speak with an HP representative at 1-800-888-8177.
This system may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware and/or a DVD drive to install the Windows 7 software and take full advantage of Windows 7 functionality. See http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/ for details.
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The 2009 REALTOR® Tech Survey highlights REALTORS®' use of technology. Key topics include social networking, technology sourcing, lead generation, relationship building, mapping, and security.
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PC Mark05 scores and the following tested configurations. System configuration for D530: 80G PATA HDD, 3x512MB DDR1-400MHz PC3200, CPU Pentium 4 2.8GHz / Pentium 2.8G, CD ROM, XP SP2. System configuration for 6000 Pro, 6005 Pro and 8000 Elite: 2x1 GB RAM DDR3, 160 GB HDD, integrated graphics, Lightscribe DVD/RW, Windows 7 Pro 32. Dual core CPUs were tested - Intel based systems used E8400, Wolves used AMD B55. Power testing was done with EPA and non-EPA power supplies. All new products were tested with Windows 7 Pro 32. Power and performance profiles: PCMark05 and power measurements were done with the "as shipped" defaults. Power measurements for idle, off, and sleep/standby was conducted per ENERGY STAR® 4.0/5.0 guidelines. The PC Mark05 power measurements are from a single run of the PC Mark05 full suite.
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HP QuickLook 3 is accessible when the notebook is off in Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7-based systems; not supported from hibernation. Timing may vary depending on the system configuration. To enable the feature following the removal of the battery, reboot the notebook prior to subsequent use. HP QuickLook 3 on HP ProBook s-series requires configuration with Intel and DDR3 or AMD and DDR2.
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Broadband use requires separately purchased service contract. Check with service provider for coverage and availability in your area.
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For the use cases outlined in the DOD 5220.22-M Supplement.
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