Engadget reports that Microsoft has responded to claims that Window Vista’s successor – code named Windows 7 would be ready in 2009 by stating to WinVistaClub.com that Windows 7 is in "planning stages," and development will take approximately three years putting its release in the 2011 timeframe.
However Engadget later pointed to another story on Windows 7 that includes a statement that the next version of Windows is being planned for three years after the release of Windows Vista, which is 2009.
Regardless of when the next version of Windows will be out, Microsoft would rather have consumers focus on Windows Vista. Unless there is a dramatic shift to Linux or the Macintosh OS, Microsoft will want to be keep talk of Windows 7 minimized.
I guess Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is right - I've changed my mind - it's not too soon to think about Windows 7.