Window XP gets an encore from Dell

24 April 2007

Linux isn't the only operating system users are asking Dell to put on its machines. As CNet reports, repeated requests on Dell's IdeaStorm website have prompted the PC maker to put Windows XP back on some of its PCs. Dell has brought back Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional as alternative operating system choices for four of its Inspiron notebooks and two of its Dimension desktops. The move comes despite Microsoft's plan to mandate that PC vendors stop selling systems pre-loaded with Windows XP by the start of next year.

Dell's decision might not bode well for Vista sales, but Microsoft doesn't seem worried. CNet quotes Microsoft Product Manager Michael Burke as saying, "Dell is responding appropriately to a small minority of customers that had this specific request. But, as they have said before, the vast majority of consumers want the latest and greatest technology, and that includes Windows Vista."

Let’s face facts. Windows XP is the appropriate OS for the $499 Dell boxes. Windows Vista only runs properly on hardware less than 6 months old.

I seriously doubt it was a “small minority” of customers. That’s just typical Microsoft spin. They’re not about to come out and say that they’ve shot themselves in the foot by trying to force XP into an early grave.

If Microsoft, hardware vendors, and other software vendors had gotten together properly and early in order to minimize hassles on release date, then I think Vista would be getting better press and wider adoption.

Don’t get me wrong, I like Vista and feel that it is indeed a step up from XP. However, it needs brand new mid to high range hardware, period. Low end Celeron machines with 512 MB of RAM will be useless slugs.