You might remember the recent flack Microsoft copped over their practically non-existent Ultimate Extras which were pimped as a good reason to purchase Vista Ultimate Edition. More than a year since Vista's release and Microsoft's' offerings for Ultimate users are still embarrassing.

Well I thought there might be some good news as I have just learned Microsoft launched their new site for Ultimate users - called UltimatePC (beta). The statement from the 'about ultimate pc' page says "We want to make sure you, as a Windows Vista Ultimate customer, are getting as much value from the experience as possible".

I've been through the site and am sorry to report that it's basically a Microsoft 'smoke and mirrors' effect. The only extras on offer are still the same ones from several months ago. The site does however contain information about setting up a home theatre, gaming, home office etc...but these subjects are already covered extensively and much better on other sites like Toms Hardware, Maximum PC and Mod Shop - which (maybe) not coincidently are featured on Ultimate PCs' 'picks of the month' page.

So what does the new site ultimately mean for Ultimate users? Ultimately nothing right now. But I suggest you grab the RSS feed for when they do actually come clean on their original promise.

It's easy to get angry over this but for the record I do believe Microsoft will eventually deliver. It's just taking too damned long and the Ultimate PC site comes across as a slap in the face to Ultimate users who are still hoping for substance, not PR fluff.