I saw Windows Vista demo'd on several computers today and quickly found the Windows Experience Index (WEI) -  Microsoft's WEI info  which each machine calculates based on its internal components.  A score below 3 won't run the new Aero features.  Which were pretty cool on the computer I was messing with.

 

On my current computer  XPS410 6600 2.4Ghz Core 2 Duo, 2 GB 667 Ram, 500 GB Raid 0, nVidia GeForce 7300LE, XP Pro...  I guess I need to upgrade the graphics card to get the "Aero Experience"  Although if you configue a system online it won't tell  you this card is insufficient for Aero - but the upgrade advisor did.

 

So here's my question - if I'm shopping for a new system at Fry's or Comp-USA I can check the WEI on each machine to find the one I want but I don't see that score anywhere on dell's site... like what's the score with the ATI card or the nVidia 7900GS?? how much change for how much coin?

 

if you've figured this out let me know so I can order my next computer.