Having migrated over to Windows 7 (clean install), I must say that it is probably the best Windows to date with current generation hardware. It is significantly snappier than Windows Vista. While resource use does not differ much, Windows 7 uses it much more efficiently. Switching between full-sreen 3D applications used to result in a redraw delay. That is almost non-existant in Windows 7 with mid-range hardware.
Windows 7 also introduces many, many user interface tweaks that, while taking a little getting used to, make the user experience much better. From the Aero tweaks all the way to Jump Lists, from re-arranging your taskbar and system tray to setting/pinning anything you want anywhere you want (Start Menu, Taskbar, Desktop, etc.).
I have not run into any compatibility issues thus far; in fact, I've run into less with Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) than Windows Vista Ultimate (x64). Some applications which had issues in the latter OS no longer had any issues in Windows 7. Hardware support is equally superb. It's rare to find a current device which Windows 7 will not be able to plug-in and use on the spot.
Networking has improved dramatically in Windows 7. Security options have also improved. It's even easier now to set up a network and go. Great for those who want to set up a media server in their home or share files with their friends and family. Once you get the hang of it, it's far more robust than the previous generations of Windows.
Stability-wise, I'd have to say it's more stable than windows Vista SP1. Still has a few quirks here and there but overall, very smooth experience. Still, it's not saying Windows 7 doesn't have room to improve, but it's fairly mature considering it's less than a year old since being released to manufacturers. It will hopefully be as mature as Windows XP turned out to be in the years to come.
Pretty much, if you can run Windows Vista, you should be switching to Windows 7. If Windows Vista was very slow for you, stick with Windows XP. There is very little reason to stay with Windows Vista or Windows XP if you can run Windows 7 above minimum specifications, other than for compatibility issues or budget.
Windows 7 is highly recommended from my testing and use. I do not see a reason to wait until Service Pack 1 unless you are unable to easily migrate and backup critical data. Specifically, I'm thinking of business users. For home users or those that are willing to spend a bit of time securing their data, this is a move you will unlikely regret.
[I'd like to note that Ubuntu is still a great alternative for those who want to try something other than Windows. It's a heck of a lot better than Mac OS X at least. Don't read too much into those Mac vs. PC commercials.]
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