The story of Windows Vista is a complicated one. Born from a long and troubled development cycle, it wasn't free of problems at launch, but hardware OEMs and others didn't do much to help its reputation.
Links and Show Notes:
Was Windows Vista THAT bad? - Linus Tech Tips on YouTube
Windows Vista - Wikipedia
Windows Vista - BetaWiki
Development of Windows Vista - Wikipedia
Windows Blackcomb - BetaWiki
Microsoft Windows Blackcomb Presentation (2003) - YouTube
Road to Gold: The Long Road to Windows Vista - Paul Thurrott
Windows Vista: Under the Hood | Ars Technica
Windows Vista Review Part 1: Introduction - Paul Thurrott
Criticism of Windows Vista - Wikipedia
The Vista Capable Mess: Intel pushes, Microsoft bends | Ars Technica
Flashback #18: The Google Graveyard Draft - Relay FM
Mojave Experiment - Wikipedia
Mac vs. PC: Windows Vista - YouTube