Windows Vista has been applauded at the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas with a "Best of CES 2007" award. Microsoft's upcoming operating system was one of the 30 finalists out of in excess of 650 entries. Vista's "Best of CES 2007" award was attributed in the computer and hardware category.

"It is a great honor to have Windows Vista declared one of the best products at this year's CES," said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president for Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft Corp. "We are in outstanding company here at the show, and this award is an indication of what customers can expect when they are able to experience Windows Vista for themselves later this month."

Later this month comes January 30 2007, the official consumer release of Windows Vista. At the time of this article, there were precisely 18 days, 14 hours, 14 minutes and 51 seconds to go until the general availability of Vista.

"Being here this week has given me the chance to see the build-up in excitement surrounding Windows Vista and our upcoming launch on the 30th.As denoted by the other nominees in our category with whom we share company, Windows Vista is a better product because of the tight collaboration between Microsoft and our customers, partners and community (you!). IMO, this award is just one more validation of the work you have done to help shape this great product," commented Nick White, Microsoft Product Manager.

Microsoft revealed that Vista is the product of an unprecedented collaboration between the company, customers and partners, and as Chairman Bill Gates put it, the best $6 billion dollars he ever spent.