Finally it seems like Microsoft's engineers got what Apple is about. They got the trick. Windows 7 completely reflects that. I simply can't point my finger on it, but there is something about Windows 7 that makes it feel right, elegant and beautiful. Something that only Apple was able to do. This is not simply copying Apple, but also understanding what makes Apple different and appealing to users.
source: microsoft.com
Microsoft engineers has done excellent job focusing on task bar. Yes, task bar reflects Apple's dock and "steals" lots of great ideas. However Microsoft's little twists some how makes it bit better. Microsoft paid attention to even smaller details such as showing downloading progress bar, thumbnail image of running application when hovering... things that traditionally only Apple would do, and does.
What really made me believe that Microsoft is unto something is when I saw the library of built-in background images provided with Windows 7. In one word - astonishing
If you still haven't tried yet, go ahead download (http://www.microsoft.com/Windows/Windows-7/download.aspx ) and install Windows 7 RC. It is available for download until July. And rumor has it, it will be released in late this year.
