Last year I decided to upgrade my laptop (An Averatec with a 15" screen), for something more lightweight. I had seen several ultra portables which made me drool! After some research and bargain shopping, I came across a nice unit, the HP Compaq NC4010 (CNET's Review). One of the selling points of the unit, was that it came "Windows Vista Ready". I was certain I would be making the move to the new operating system as soon as it launched, so I figured I may as well purchase a notebook which will be ready for the future. This option actually overweighed the short battery life (I purchased an extra battery, which doesn't affect its portability much).

Well, after much waiting, Vista finally arrived. I eargely loaded the OS unto my trusty nc4010, only to find that the video drivers were not found, all that was listed in Device Manager was a Standard VGA Adapter! What the truck? After scouring HP's Support web site I was unable to find Vista drivers. After several calls to HP's support center and hours wasted on hold, I've been told that HP does not support Windows Vista on the NC4010!!!

Excuse me? So this "Windows Vista Ready" sticker on the machine and the packaging means absolutely what? It was my impression that false advertising was considered a crime in the United States? Well, I guess from HP's executive actions, crime is not a concern. Well, I guess it's back to XP for now, 800 X 600 at 8 Bit just doesn't do Vista justice.