Windows Vista Anyone?

Microsoft will be officially kicking off the worldwide release of its Windows Vista Operating System as well as Microsoft Office 2007 on January 30th here in the states. And to mark the launch of Microsoft's first OS in five years, Chairman of Microsoft, Bill Gates will be kicking off an event in New York City's Time Square today as well as appearing on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The PC guy who appears in the Apple TV ads, John Hodgman is also scheduled to be on the Daily Show. Other events include a live web-cast today with Bill Gates at 1:45 p.m. PST (4:45 p.m. EST).

With the Windows Operating System software running on 90 percent of computers worldwide, the question is will folks want to pony up hundreds of dollars to purchase Vista (Vista is available in several flavors all with varying prices of $100 to $400) and is it really worth it? Additionally, a few computer manufacturers are already taking pre-orders for computers that will include Vista. Honestly, this Windows software launch pales in comparison to those of the pass. When Microsoft launched Windows XP five years ago this event was by invitation only where Microsoft filled up rented movie theaters all across the US and the world where excitement and buzz filled the air. There appears to be none of that this time around. Windows Vista has already officially launched in Japan and Australia. Also, here in the states, Comp-USA will stay open past midnight on January 30 to usher in the launch of Windows Vista. And for those of you yearning to grab your limited edition Bill Gates autographed copy of Windows Ultimate, Amazon.com will be more than happy to take your orders (no price was available at the time of this post for this limited edition).