Should I buy or wait till Windows 7?

I need to buy a new computer? Biggest question I have is to buy it now or wait until Windows 7 is out? If I buy a laptop or desktop now will I be able to upgrade  from Windows Vista or Windows XP to Windows7 for free? Will my computer compatible with windows 7? 

These are the questions running through my head as I am looking to buy a new computer. I am pretty sure if you are looking to buy a new computer you are running through the same set of questions.  

What are the minimum requirements for Windows 7? 

A PC with these system requirements:

• 1 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 1 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  
• 16 GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20 GB (64-bit)
  
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
  

Please note these specifications could change. And, some product features of Windows 7, such as the ability to watch and record live TV or navigation through the use of "touch," may require advanced or additional hardware.

1. When Windows 7  going to be release? 

Still there is no exact date you can find but most probably you will be able to get Windows 7 before end of 2009. 

If you are planning to buy a computer what you should consider?

2. Hardware configurations. 

• 3 GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  
• 3 GB RAM (32-bit) / 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
  
• 500 GB available disk space 
  
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

So it is always good to buy latest configurations as latest become oldest within couple of months in computer world. Minimum Windows 7 requirements is only to run Windows 7. Always remember you need to run Office, Media Player or other software as well with it.

3. Compatibility 

Still I have not seen any compatibility issue with Windows 7. Windows Vista had lot of compatibility issues.  Windows 7 BETA run in my old computer without much problem. I do not think there will be much problems with the compatibility.

4. How much it is going to upgrade to Windows 7?

Still Windows 7 is not release. So if you buy a computer now it will come with Windows XP or Windows Vista.  Make sure to ask for the deal. May be they might able to give you a free upgrade package from Windows XP, Vista to 7.

Share your experience with buying a new computer and Windows 7 in the comments.