Remember the squealing that took place when users refused to update to Windows Vista? They were demanding Windows XP. And so, the hardware manufacturers obliged and, yes, you can get a Windows XP downgrade for your new PC. But you’re going to pay through the nose for it.
I had no idea that this scam was going on. That’s mostly because I’m one of those fools who actually enjoys Windows Vista. But after hearing a sad story from a friend of mine, I’m beginning to think that our computer manufacturer buddies and their retail cohorts are enjoying Windows XP a whole heck of a lot!
Of course, you can still buy a Windows XP system. They sell a few. Most of them, I would guess, are leftovers and older systems. But if you want to buy a new computer, as my friend wants, something state of the art, then it’s going to have Vista installed. And, oh, by the way, you can get an XP downgrade, but expect to pay $500 for it.
FIVE-HUNDRED DOLLARS!
That’s the price my friend was quoted at not one, but two locations. She would have to pay full price for the laptop, then pay $200 for the new copy of XP and pay $300 on top of that for them to provide the downgrade “service.” Supposedly that means configuring the laptop with the proper drivers and so on.
Hey! It’s a $300 value!
Now I did ask the question, “Why not just go with Vista?” Problem: My pal would have to update a lot of her software to be Vista-compatible. That would cost her another $600. So she’s really stuck.
If you have any suggestions, I’d enjoy hearing them. As you can see, not all computer problems are easy to solve.
Our local store where I got my new machine from will put XP on a computer they build for $100 extra (the same for Vista Premium on their systems with Vista Basic(ally no point in buying)). My mother asked when she got her new machine from them if she should get XP on it. I said “Yes, but you may as well get the Premium upgrade for the same price — it has more life left in it”. And she did.
But, really, $500?!?! Hell, even $300 for finding drivers is inappropriate – haven’t these people heard of Device Manager, a pen, some paper, and Google? Honestly!
Comment by Douglas — February 29, 2008 @ 6:19 pm
My friend is not a computer guru. She uses Photoshop like a pro, but the technical details of an upgrade are something she just doesn’t have time for. I think the places she enquired about knew that, and knew that she’s a businesswomen in a tight spot, so they quoted her the outrageous price.
Remember back when the Nimda virus was running rampant? I knew “consultants” locally who would remove it or just scan your PC for a flat $100. Basically all they did was run a simple anti-virus scan. That software cost $40. Heck, if you had a pen and paper, you could write down the instructions and do it yourself without automatic software. But that didn’t stop some people from raking in a fortune.
Comment by admin — February 29, 2008 @ 6:27 pm