HP challenges Vista sales figures

[Goldeneye]

HP challenges Vista sales figures
By John Lister
Hewlett Packard has questioned the reliability of Microsoft’s recent reports of selling 180 million copies of Vista so far.

The apparent disparity involves the loophole by which firms can still sell machines with XP on them, despite the system officially having been withdrawn on 30 June. The trick is to sell what is officially a Vista machine but allow customers to ‘downgrade’ to XP, in the same way that you can often save money on a standard PC package by not taking ‘standard’ parts such as a monitor or keyboard.

This loophole is only open until next January, but it seems it’s more popular than expected. Speaking at the launch of a new range of notebook PCs, HP development manager Jane Bradburn revealed that not only is the firm regularly selling ‘Vista Business’ licensed PCs that actually have XP pre-loaded, but “That is still the majority of business computers we are selling today.”

Given that such deals are officially classed as Vista license sales, the revelation raises some serious questions about how many recent Vista sales actually wind up with customers using the system. It was well known that some firms would look to exploit this loophole, but it’s somewhat of a surprise for a major company such as HP to be doing so in the majority of cases.

HP says the system works well as it cuts down on administration, and is hoping to get the January deadline extended. Apparently HP customers are reporting that they haven’t had time to test whether their software will work with Vista, and they don’t have the time or money to spend on making the leap.

It’s worth remembering, though, that retailers aren’t officially allowed to charge for copies of XP any more; instead, for each of these ‘loophole’ sales, the seller has to pay the relevant license fee for Vista to Microsoft. So while it’s misleading to suggest 180 million people have intentionally gone out and bought a copy of Vista to run, Microsoft is still getting the cash in its pocket.

[Kristatos]

I bought a new laptop with my stimulus check about 2 weeks before XP was officially withdrawn, because I've heard nothing but bad things about Vista, and didn't want to be forced to buy it. Seems I needn't have hurried after all. If Microsoft tries to foce Vista on people who don't want it, say by withdrawing support for XP early, you'll have an object lesson in the difference between capitalism and a free market. People often use the terms as if they're interchangeable, but they're not.

[Dr. No]

there was another story from when Vista fitst came out.
it was about M$ counting new xp computers as vista sales because they had a certificate redeemable for Vista when it was released.

everyone i know that has acomputer with vista hates it with a passion