recomendation for trying out windows7

although i am not really completely ready, nor in a rush to migrate to windows 7... i figured i would ask a few questions.
i realize that i could probably create a separate partition to install windows 7 on to test it. however, i was wondering if there is any way to make it easier if in the future i might decide to keep windows 7. i am currently using windows vista ultimate (with a side of ubuntu just to experience it).
i have one main disk that is around 300gb, and another one that i got recently for storage that is 1tb(sadly found out that actually only means 930gb). vista and ubuntu are on the 300 gb drive at the moment. not sure it matters which drive to use, just cant think of which exactly. in the case of possibly wanting to transfer over programs, files etc. and maybe get rid of the other windows os in the future.
or maybe i would just have to test it and then reinstall over vista later. anyway, my mind is just mulling over a bit more details then simply " can you computer run windows 7".

hope i have made enough sense, and would love to hear some recommendations or even peoples 2cents.