Windows 7 RC vs. RTM

Hi, been browsing the site for a while but never registered.

My question isn't in terms of what they mean, because I understand why they are called what they are.

The reason I ask knowing this is down to my situation.

Bought a new laptop that comes with Vista which has a 'free upgrade' to 7. In the mean time I don't want to be using Vista (one of those that stuck with XP).

I have already downloaded a copy of RC, I do not have 'proper' access to a copy of RTM without getting a leaked version.

I wanted to know if the core differences between the two justify me going to the hassle of trying to find a clean copy of RTM or just sticking with RC till I can 'upgrade properly'. Which I don't mind doing a clean install for.

By this I mean in stablity and functionality.

Thanks in advance

//EDIT

Just wanted to add, I did search to try and find the answer before posting, if I missed something it wasn't through being lazy but an oversight.

We have to begin with two opposing assumptions:

1. The RC build will not present any issues on your particular machine.

2. The RC build will present issues on your particular machine.

If 1, the hassle is justifiable. If 2, the hassle may or may not be justifiable.

All things being equal, just wait.

Personally, I would install the RC. In the event that 2 presents, time on task to install Vista is nominal.

And, I would highly recommend a clean install of Win 7 when the time comes, anyway.

Thanks for the reply.

I did some searching before coming to the decision to install RC that others with the same hardware config have not had issues.

I mentioned not minding doing a clean install so everyone was aware that I knew that although its possible to do the upgrade over another copy its better practice not too.

So from your perspective there isn't enough of a distinguishable difference or benefit to 'bother' with the hassle of getting RTM?

Thanks again

Paww said:

... others with the same hardware config have not had issues. ...

This is reason enough to install the RC with reasonable confidence. The RTM is legally available in certain circumstances only. Without regard to how easy it is to obtain, I will not suggest that you circumvent any provisions thereof.

Install the RC. You will have several weeks to fam fire Windows 7 and to identify any issues peculiar to your machine or inherent in the RC. Most, if not all, issues encountered may have an easily resolvable "fix" - posted here at SF.

Thanks for the replies guys, I most likely would plan to do a fresh install when I received the upgrade cd.

I'm still curious to learn of any differences between the two versions, assuming there is anything of significance.