First look at Windows 7 beta 1 (build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400)

http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3222

 

It looks nice, but I noticed the word "Ultimate" in one of the screenshots. I really, truly hope MS isn't going through that again. If they keep it to a "Media-center"-like edition, a Pro, and a Home version, I bet 7 takes off. However, if we have to go through this "Windows 7 Basic/Whatever/Ultimate-capable thing again, I see problems. And the last thing MS needs is for two OS releases to fall flat on their faces. Just an opinion.

 

Yep, when I installed 7 (same build as above) I was given a choice for Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.
Playing with it for the best part of a day it is very stable (this is a beta) and it has crossed my mind that this should of been the version after XP SP3, although we've had Server2008 of course. Anyway I can say it installed very quickly, seems stable - had no problems so far, and performs well - seems to be very quick all over considering. Only problem I've encountered so far was with IE8 and some pages although settled after refreshing.