Apple’s new iTunes 7.1 features improved Vista compatibility, but they’re still having issues creating fully Vista compatible software, although they’re hardly alone on that front.

Why these issues couldn’t simply have been fixed prior to 7.1’s release is likely so that Apple could have a version of iTunes for Vista users, whose numbers are, after all, growing, even if not as quickly as Microsoft themselves would like.

Apple aren’t the only ones having the Vista blues – although Vista drivers are finally coming out of the woodwork, and Vista compatible software is on store shelves or available for download, there still remain plenty of drivers that consumers are still waiting for, software updates yet to arrive and the much anticipated Vista SP1 which will end most businesses’ excuses for deciding to not yet deploy Windows Vista as Microsoft struggles to get Vista bugs squashed and their software and hardware partners to get Vista compatibility out the door ASAP.

In one sense, however, while third parties really have been grossly negligent in taking so long to get Vista compatibility and drivers up-to-speed, given Vista’s years-long gestation, third party companies might just as easily say that they are but following Microsoft’s example on this issue, terrible though such an explanation is, were anyone to dare offer it.

Why such a hardline attitude? Simply because Vista was no secret, and every time there is a new operating system from Microsoft, drivers are the big issue, with software compatibility coming in second. Why companies, including Microsoft, think they can stuff consumers around, the very consumers who are the ones that keep these companies in business is beyond me. CEOs should remember that, instead of worrying about stock options or bonuses, which these days only ever seem to result in scandals.

Any companies who are still to get Vista compatibility out the door should understand one thing: we are all very pissed with the tardiness you are all showing. Shape up, or expect your software or hardware to be shipped out, and replaced with products from companies that understand who their customers are and how important customers are to the continuation of one’s business. Well, maybe some will be forced to wait because the software or hardware on offer is what the customer chooses to use, but be sure that no-one is very happy with the wait.

So, what are the remaining Vista/iTunes compatibility issues? Read onto page 2 to find out!