Downgrading Vista to XP costs $50 from Dell
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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