x(perts)64

So, the net is buzzing (what's new) about several bloggers getting brand new Ferrari laptops. And the cries and moans of those who didn't get one are all about how this will compromise the bloggers, etc. Horsepucky. Now I confess, I didn't get one. I've got a nice shiny 16 month old Ferrari 4000 here, but hey, I bought that with my own $$. And I love it. I've said good things about it whenever I get a chance because I still think it's a great machine, easily the best all around laptop I've ever had. And I'd love to have been on the list that got a new Ferrari 5000 - they're a sweet machine, even faster than this Ferrari 4000. But would getting one compromise me? No. The one thing you can be sure of is that I say what I think. And I'm not primarily here to express my opinion anyway - but to provide news and help for those working with x64 Windows, be it XP, Server 2003, Vista or Longhorn. And if I had one of those Ferrari laptops, you can bet it would be running a 64-bit operating system. Or two. And it wouldn't change my opinion about Microsoft or AMD or Acer, even, except as the machine itself demonstrated.

Charlie.

Last month I mentioned that a new Microsoft infrastructure solution for mid-sized business up to 250 users was looking for beta testers. Well, if you haven't signed up yet, it's definitely time to get serious. See Kevin Beares' Blog for all the details, but keep in mind that you will need to be able to commit three x64 capable boxes to act as servers for this beta, and at least a couple of other machines (32-bit OK) to be clients. That's a serious hardware hurdle, I know. But this is an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a new and exciting offering, and if you've got the hardware to play, and you like being part of a well run beta, I strongly urge you to sign up. It's going to be fun and we're going to learn a tonne in the process.

Charlie.