Vista 64 OEM question...

[xExDiesel]

I'm building a new PC and I have a couple Q's concerning the OS...

Should I buy Vista and look to upgrade later (not sure how much more this will cost me more in the long run since M$ hasn't released info reguarding upgrades) or just install Windows 7 RC until it's released in Oct?

I guess another part to that question would be, do I need to go ahead and get the OEM/builders version now while I'm buying components or does that matter? I was told that the only way to get the OEM version was to buy the MB/CPU with it...any truth to that? It may be more cost effective to buy the OS now if indeed I have to purchase components with it...Am I making any sense?

Thanks

[EzyStvy]

It's you call on which OS to install. Vista 64 bit runs fine and will do so for years to come.

The Win 7 RC will die next year and it'll require a new clean install if you purchase Win 7 later.

[Statica]

I'd definitely install Win7RC instead of spending money on an orphaned OS. You could always backup your data and reinstall Win7 if that's the route you want to go with. A Microsoft OS always runs better with a fresh install, anyway. From news sources of Best Buy's Win7 upgrade pricing, you might be shelling out $49 more for Win7 Home Premium and $99 for Win7 Pro... and that could just be promo pricing.

[xExDiesel]

What about the OEM thing, can I buy that at a later date, or do I need to buy hardware to qualify?

[GodofCats]

I think the OEM/system builders edition will allow you to change out pc parts more frequently instead of you only having to work with one or so set of hardware per OS key. I'm not 100% sure on this, so don't quote me, but I believe that's what it means.