I actively stayed away from all Win7 beta/RC builds. Since it went RTM, I found a copy and put the Ultimate x64 version on my desktop and laptop.

It’s pretty much what I wanted Vista to be.  Smooth and silky fast out of the box.  I did download the Ultimate Windows Tweaker utility to get a few options I missed.

The UI seems more intuitive, I like the ability to Pin to Start Menu or Taskbar. The Frequent lists save me a lot of navigation time.  Time will tell if I like the Homegroup ability as the OS automatically tries to get you to make one immediately.  The move to configure what the power button does (on the Start Menu) is nice – I’ve always disliked the default of Shutdown in Vista – prefer it as Reboot.

Theme management looks simpler and easier to use.  I’ve always hated Sideshow (and the new gadget crap) so it’s all disabled.

Visibility on the XBOX360 is immediate and automatic.  Haven’t tested out how well that works yet.

One annoying factor at the moment is the file associations for Windows Media Player are being monitored and reset to Windows Media Player constantly – haven’t figured out how to switch it permanently yet without picking each file extension association one by one.

Made a quick trip to the Denver area – specifically Keystone and Breckenridge for a conference.  One thing you notice immediately is the elevation.  Especially around those resort areas – at 9600 ft, you certainly run out of breath easily.

Beautiful surroundings – sunny, not too warm, fresh air, hills galore.  Everything is outdoor-friendly – the snow during the wintertime must really attract the crowds.

Conference was in Keystone, a 20 min drive from Breckenridge where we stayed.  Had a decent buffalo steak dinner at the Kenosha Steakhouse.  Even better was the elk medallions at Steak & Eggs (I think that’s the name of the place).  Navigating in Breckenridge is easy, everything’s on Main St.

Drove the Ford Expedition rental on the way back to the airport – what a huge lumbering beast.  You really are practically indestructable in one of those things.

Manhattan was next – didn’t really have time to enjoy the area as it was a brief visit for a couple meetings.  Had dinner at one of the hotel recommended restaurants (Bistecca Fiorentina) between 8th and 9th.  It was a pretty good filet mignon with a tiny slice of foie gras.

Was introduced to Chili’s Chicken Crispers while in Colorado.  Tasty stuff, too bad Chili’s decided to leave western Washington – there’s not a single branch available outside of the airport.