Analyst: Windows 7 release will not affect PC prices
The release of any new operating system usually heralds a change in the market. It’s a volatile element being introduced to the marketplace, and it can change the way PCs are bought and sold. But although the release of Windows 7 is imminent, one analyst believes it will have little effect. Prices are unlikely to decrease or increase, which should make for a smooth transition from Vista to Windows 7.
It’s easy to see how the release of a new OS can impact on PC prices. In the months on and after the release, manufacturers and retailers are left with machines with the previous OS installed. This means they inevitably choose to cut the prices of these machines in order to shift them.
The opposite can also prove to be the case, with PC manufacturers and retailers pricing the brand new machines with the brand new OS installed higher than usual. Rather than there being bargains to be had, most machines will be priced at a high premium, with everyone looking to maximize profit around the release of the operating system.
But this time around, Stephen Baker, analyst at the NPD Group, thinks this will prove not to be the case. According to USA Today, he thinks prices will remain pretty constant throughout. Pricing won’t go much lower, “and we don’t expect to see any price increases as Windows 7 comes on board.”
This is likely due to a number of different factors. For one, the free – or as near, as damn it – Windows 7 upgrade being offered on most Vista PCs sold at the moment mean there really isn’t any benefit in waiting.
Then there is the reported improvement in inventory management by both manufacturers and retailers. Vendors cut back their orders of Vista PCs three to four months ago. While Dell has been working with retailers to keep track of stock and Best Buy has a team dedicated to just that task.
And lastly, it’s down to the fact that PCs are now cheaper to buy than ever before. The average price of a new machine in 2003 was $1,364, in 2008 it was $941, and in 2009 it is $761. And when prices are that low there’s generally very little margin left to play with.
What does all this mean for consumers? That they should basically buy a new PC whenever they need/want to. It’s now less about timing than it is about getting the right machine for the right money.
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October 15th, 2009
“Roca, you need to understand that The Future Of Sega was banned a long time ago for impersonating other posters on here. He was never unbanned. If he’d have just started posting as himself and playing nicely then I would have let it go. But he pretended to be someone else instead, showing he hasn’t actually changed. Simple as.”
Even if I posted as myself you would still ban me. Had I known that you guys take that serious I would not have gotten carried off with that. Yeah I know I act routy and rude sometimes but it’s all in good nature.
I mean hell people would be glad to see me post just to get a good laugh or two. But if you unban and I can use my ‘original” name “The Future of Sega” then I promise you that I will never post as another person….at least not on here
lol but seriously you have my word.
No more posting as an idiot. But thats all contigent on whether or not you allow me to use my original name. And seriously John The Raptist was an original name I chose just so I could get back on here.
I didn’t steal that name. But I prefer to have my name back if you don’t mind. Thanks Dave.
October 15th, 2009
And it would be nice if you erase “The Future of Sega Returns” “The Future of Sega.” so I can use my original name “The Future of Sega” and all will be good. I have ALOT to share with Barnabee Jones and Harry Sachz. Those two guys are like brothers to me
*sniff sniff* lol