MS to Offer Free, Discounted Vista

[drhayden1]

http://www.betanews.com/article/MS_to_Offer_Free_Discounted_Vista/1160157828

Everyone who buys a PC after October 28th (as the rumor goes) will get either free or discounted Vista next year. Press releases indicate that anyone who buys a new computer with Windows XP Pro, XP Tablet PC, or XP 64-bit edition will be able to upgrade for free, and only those with Windows XP Home will have to pay a reduced rate (merely $49 fro Basic, $79 for Premium) to upgrade to Vista. This is good news both for consumers, for holiday computer sales, and for Microsoft also. Heck, I am even much more likely to buy a PC ready for Vista, knowing that I won't have to bite another bullet next year and pay full Vista price. Microsoft so far is not disclosing details except that they

[bob3160]

That's better.

[neal62]

Thanks for this information drhayden1. Nice to know the money prices they mention for Vista. My article, HERE, did not mention anything about Vista prices. 

[.: Mac :.]

What about if you buy a retail copy of XP (like if you build your own PC or buy to dual boot on a mac) will you still get the discount?

[neal62]

I guess only time will tell on that Mac. If we're lucky maybe that could/would happen. 

[DavidR]

What about if you buy a retail copy of XP (like if you build your own PC or buy to dual boot on a mac) will you still get the discount?

As far as I'm aware it only applies to PC Retailers or OEM system builders that come including the OS and not Retail purchase of OS only. The idea being to prevent people delaying the purchase of systems until Vista goes Gold and is available to those suppliers to avoid hurting seasonal PC purchases.

[.: Mac :.]

I see keep the PC sales strong through the holidays.

[Dwarden]

question remains if this offer stays only for big companies like DELL and similar ...

or become available for medium and smaller OEM builders too ...

[DavidR]

I Guess you will only see that if they advertise, because I'm sure they would mention it to ally fears of buying a system with XP and then having to fork out again to upgrade to Vista.

If they have the same offer they will sing it to the heavens to compete with those who will be making a big deal about it, 'don't delay buy today, free Vista Upgrade,' etc. etc. However, knowing MS it will be the volume buyers who have the clout to demand this special treatment.