Vista leads to boom in XP sales

[Richard]

Advisors: Just say no

By Nick Farrell: Friday 20 July 2007, 08:22

ALTHOUGH WE knew that Vista sales were mixed for Microsoft, according to Reuters there appears to be a drift backwards to XP.

The wire said that some consumers are seeking out machines equipped with the more compatible Windows XP and PC makers and retailers are re-introducing the OS into product lines. HP, Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba are all offering XP machines.

Craig Rabe, owner of the Computer Cafe, an independent computer store in Arlington, Massachusetts, said he received so many complaints about Vista he stopped selling machines loaded with the software.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has told its freshmen to buy PCs loaded with Windows XP. One day MIT will start supporting Vista, a spokesman said. But not yet.

Comp USA has a huge range of XP machines which it is planning flog during the back-to-school sales season. Circuit City wants to sell nine XP models on its Web site.

Even the Windows User Group admit that a switch to Vista can be a bit uncomfortable. Vole says that it has done its best, but there will always be products that do not work with Vista. However it points out that those who upgrade were happy with it.

More here.

http://www.theinquirer.net/default.aspx?article=41115

[Get Boldened]

It looks like Microsoft forgot the vision of Bill Gate to create compatible, userfriendly computer. No one wants to fuss with technology that makes their life frustrating, even if it is the "hippest, most recent technology." Microsoft should have at least contracted with other game and business companies to make software that works (and perhaps get some of those companies' basic software bundled with the computers. I imagine that would have been a good market move).

[Richard]

I’m not sure what Microsoft’s problems were for not being able to come out with a better operating system. It appears like they just don’t have the know how. Almost all their operating systems have been plagued with problems. The only system that was any good was the NT family (Windows NT, 2000, and XP). The only reason that operating system family was any good was because they hired Dave Cutler from Digital to work on it.