"Vista capable" debacle given class action status
Microsoft was unable to launch Vista for the holiday season of 2006 and decided to initiate a program with free upgrades to Vista. Depending on the version of XP that shipped with the computer determined which version of Vista the person was able to get. At the same time it also launched the “Vista Capable” and “Premium Ready” programs. This confused consumers and has led to a class action lawsuit against the company.
Windows Vista had much higher system requirements than that of its predecessors. Newer features such as Aero Glass wouldn’t run on systems labeled “Vista Capable,” only the most basic features of the operating system would function. To make matters worse those that purchased “Vista capable” systems were only eligible to receive a copy of Vista Basic.
Vista Basic lacked Media Center and Aero Glass functionality which is included with every other edition of Vista. Some decided to use the anytime upgrade to get Home Premium and some even (quite foolishly) went for Vista Ultimate. After the upgrade these people found that the new features weren’t working because the system did not meet the requirements to run them.
“Vista capable” systems were only designed to run Vista Basic, no more. This angered consumers. Microsoft argues that it clearly labeled what “Vista capable” systems were and were not capable of. According to Internet News, the Judge handling the earlier case refused to accept that argument.
My own opinion on the matter is that it was clearly labeled all over the place, especially on Microsoft’s own Vista page. The divisions between Vista Capable and Premium ready systems seem quite clear. I believe it falls on the shoulders of the consumer, to research the product before buying it. And that does not include asking big box retailers about it.
Call me evil, but I’m rooting for Microsoft on this one.
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March 10th, 2008
Microsoft’s greed will eventually lead to its downfall. The nitwits dont realize that to sustain a company, you need to keep the customers onboard. By antagonizing customers, they are digging their own grave. I have been a diehard MS fan. But I have sworn off MS in a phased manner. I have installed Fedora on my laptop and OpenOffice. My goal is to eventually use my PC without shelling out a single cent to Microsoft. Weaning away from MS is tough but I am making good progress. By this time next year, I would have exorcised myself of the MS devil. Their greed leaves me stunned. This is not capitalism. This is called shooting-oneself-in-the-foot-ism.