Fair comparisons (Score 1)

Why does everyone compare the performance of a pre-beta version of Windows against Vista or even XP.

Let us not forget that XP was released in 2001! I certainly remember the same internet echo chamber of whining when XP came out that it was so slow compared to Windows 98 and shared all the same hardware issues and everyone is complaining about now with Vista.
Windows 7 will not be released for two - three years, I think the average slashdot user will have upgraded their computer a number of times before the release.

I agree with all of you that it was a poor marketing strategy for Microsoft to release a slower version of Windows but I find it hard to compare a brand new somewhat future proof (in hindsight, windows 7 is being rushed along to replace vista) operating system with an operating system that has had the luxury of being tested over and over again with thousands of driver updates over the past seven years! If Vista is too slow, upgrade your hardware and wait a year or two. In seven years, half of you will be whining about how Windows 8 is way too slow compared to your great seasoned Windows 7 runs. Step up with new hardware or quit whining and keep using XP.