October 26th, 2006
Another Microsoft stumble - Vista coupons
Breaking News
Dell
Some details are starting to emerge as to pricing - Dell plans to charge $45 (plus shipping and handling) to upgrade from Windows XP Home to Vista Basic while upgrading from Windows XP Media Center Edition to Vista Premium and from Windows XP Pro to Vista Premium will only mean paying for shipping and handling.
Dell have also confirmed that there will not be any proof-of-purchase requirements.
Customers will also get a DVD outlining the upgrade process, step-by-step.
Hewlett-Packard
HP Pavilion or Compaq Presario desktop and notebook PC, and HP Digital Entertainment Center, with a qualifying Windows XP operating system bought after Oct. 26th will be eligible for a free upgrade to Vista. The upgrade paths are as follows:
XP Home > Vista Home Basic
XP Media Center Edition 2005 > Vista Home Premium
XP Pro > Vista Business
Gateway
All eMachines and Gateway PCs bought on or after Oct 26th will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows Vista. The upgrade paths are as follows:
XP Home > Vista Home Basic
XP Media Center Edition 2005 > Vista Home Premium
XP Pro and Tablet > Vista Business
Buying Advice
Time for some simple buying advice.
- Know what you are getting in advance. Don't assume that you will get an upgrade coupon with every PC
- Find out what the "nominal fees" are upfront.
- Consider whether, based on your technical expertise, you'd be better off waiting for Vista to launch and buy a PC with it already installed.
The Windows Vista Express Upgrade program runs until March 15, 2007.
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Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations
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