Downgrading Vista to XP costs $50 from Dell
By Jonathan Schlaffer
Some would argue that Vista is the downgrade and XP is the operating system to stick with. Whatever you may believe doesn’t matter because Dell is now charging $50 extra if you want Windows XP.
From now until June 30th the “downgrade” to Windows XP will cost you $50 if you order a system from Dell. Windows XP will not be available after June 30 unless it comes preinstalled on a low-cost UMPC (ultra mobile PC).
Mobile Magazine says Dell blames Microsoft’s cut-off date for Windows XP as the reason for the price increase. I just think it’s a greedy cooperation getting as much money as it can while it can.
Even with this option you will still receive a copy of Windows Vista installation media with your purchase. And yes, Microsoft will count that as a sale for Windows Vista.
The reason is that you are still buying a copy of Vista with the PC but Dell is just downgrading it to Windows XP. Look at it this way, you’re getting two operating systems for $50.
It is still a little sleazy of Dell to charge $50 for it because it doesn’t take much more effort on its part to configure and install Windows XP.
My advice is to just not buy a Dell at all. HP is slightly better but if you want top quality and top service then point your sights toward a Velocity Micro or Falcon Northwest system.
If you have already ordered a Dell system, you have my sympathies but for everyone else it’s not too late to go find something better.
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