Here’s an interesting insight on Microsoft’s delaying consumer release of Vista to early 2007. CNN reports that competitors and providers of alternative products are likely to benefit from the delay. So instead of Windows Vista and Vista-preinstalled computers being the hot items this coming holiday season, it’s likely to be consoles, Apple computers and other consumer electronics.
Analysts say consumers who were considering buying a new PC this holiday season may now opt for a fancy new television, a rival Apple computer or even Microsoft’s own Xbox 360 videogame console, giving an unexpected boost to companies that make those products.
Still, it’s sad that PC retailers are set to expect a slack market this year, with buyers putting off PC purchases (and that of peripherals such as higher-end graphics cards) up to until Vista is released. After all, why spend extra bucks for that upgrade?
I was reading on TechDirt that they think the solution is for Microsoft to offer free upgrades to Vista for systems purchased this fall. That way people who want to buy a PC for Christmas this year can still do it and not have to pay the upgrade fee to go to Vista. I think that’s an excellent idea, and not sure why Microsoft didn’t do that.
One word, and you know it: greed. :)
Seriously, I think it might also have to do with hardware, unless retailers sell future-proofed units that are guaranteed to work on Vista once available. Also, most end-users, especially the not-so-tech-savvy set, would rather not have the hassle of having to upgrade their systems.
Lastly, I’m of the opinion that a clean install is always better than an upgrade.