Buy Windows XP or Wait for Vista?
This Christmas season, computer buyers will be forced into a choice. Unfortunately, one of the two choices is “waiting.”
Just like the introduction of Windows XP in 2001, Windows Vista will miss the Christmas season, at least in the consumer versions. Although Microsoft is scheduled to release business versions of Windows Vista to manufacturers in November, they aren’t scheduled to release the consumer version to manufacturing until January.
So, what does that mean for the buyers?
Fortunately, Microsoft announced two “upgrade coupon” programs during late October, one for Windows Vista and one for Office 2007.
Consumers and small businesses, who buy a computer pre-installed with Office 2003 from participating manufacturers and between October 26th and March 15, 2007, will quailify for low-cost upgrades to Office 2007.
Similarly, those who buy a Windows XP “Windows Vista-capable” computer from a participating manufacturer can get an upgrade coupon to a Vista version.
Check the offers carefully, as they will vary from region to region. They’ll also vary by manufacturer. Also, they may not offer a free or discounted upgrade to the version of Vista or Office 2007 that you desire.
Some upgrades are announced to be free (but manufacturers may slap a shipping and handling charge on the upgrade). Other upgrade options will have charges for the upgrade itself, while other options may not even be available.
Finally, decide if you are willing to do the upgrade process. I’m sure the advertising will use terms like “easy,” and it will be for some people.
But, a Vista upgrade is virtually a brand new installation of Windows. That means it will take about an hour, assuming there are no problems. When upgrading, you can install Vista over XP, so that you can keep your existing data.
If your computer came with a Recovery CD instead of a Windows XP Operating System CD, that will be your only option).
Back up your data first (I like Acronis True Image and an external hard drive), unless you’re willing to lose everything.
Bottom line: If you’re a first-time computer user, either buy a Windows XP computer with the expectation that you will stay with Windows XP for several years — or wait until Windows Vista computers are released for consumers.