[Ultimate John]

Microsoft Corp. has failed to deliver on its promise of downloadable extras for the highest-priced version of Windows Vista, critics claim.

Dubbed "Extras" and exclusive to Vista Ultimate, the downloads were touted before, at and after the launch as one of a handful of features that separated the $399 operating system from the $239 Home Premium. On Ultimate's marketing site, Microsoft currently says of Extras: "These cutting-edge programs, innovative services, and unique publications provide a richer computing experience for Windows Vista Ultimate users."

Extras is not a minor feature of Ultimate. It's one of the things that sets it apart from Home Premium, and one of the few unique things that has been promised Ultimate users.

Microsoft issued three Extras when Vista debuted, including a poker game; an add-on to BitLocker, Vista's whole-disk encryption tool; and language packs for the operating system's Multilingual User Interface. The next month, Microsoft posted DreamScene, a video wallpaper program, in beta form; DreamScene has not shifted out of beta since then.

Source

[Merforga]

This is so very true. We (Ultimate users) paid an extra $120+ for Vista, because of these extras (and so that we could brag that "I have Ultimate and you don't!" ), and what do we get for $120? Play a video as a wallpaper (which can be done for free as we see from the numerous topics here), a Poker game (how many of these are available on the web?), and BitLocker (just use some normal security program that's free). A pretty big rip-off in my opinion.

[coolerpvr]

i agree

[thoosje]

There just saying you payd $120 for moving wallpapers in beta a poker game and a securety program

[Dr. Doom]

In Time... In Time

[PenaltyKillah]

Well... Ultimate is simply Home Premium + Business. But seriously, do I see a hybrid gamer-slash-businessman?

[Mohsin Naqi]

Hmm.. looks like this is turning out to be another one of Microsoft's forgotten projects, but I think it is yet too early to blame them for not delivering on their promises. I mean its just been a few months and you already have quite a few nifty extras to play with. Just wait for a couple of months more and see if they are actually slacking.

[odd]

i think they used them in profit

many people prefer mac than Microsoft now because of "stealing" $120

[Frylock86]

One other reason not to go for Ultimate. If your going to buy Vista, go for Home Premium.

[Razor VinT]

Ultimate edition is just a waste of money.