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Microsoft Extends Life of Windows XP for Netbooks to 2010

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windows_xp_logo-thumb Some may call it a confusing signal, and it is to a degree. But I think it is all about counting dollars and cents. Microsoft is once again extending the life of Windows XP to June 2010. Microsoft is also going to allow users to skip Windows Vista if they choose to downgrade from Windows 7 and go straight back to the past to XP.

Of course Netbooks are the primary reason here. Methinks Microsoft doesn’t want to lose that Netbook revenue stream and June 2010 will be just about the point that the kinks will probably be worked out for whatever SKU’s Microsoft is going to make available for new Netbooks.

Via BetaNews

6 Comments

6 Comments

  1. Brook

    04/07/2009 at 6:41 am

    The continued use of XP will be dependent upon the new hardware in the pipeline. I have Windows 7 installed on several devices, I have to say it is better in every way. The next device will have XP, Viliv S5 or the Wibrain. The two devices would not do well with Vista, but with XP and Windows 7, yes. If the devices down the pipeline have minimum 4 Gig, faster processor, and better hard drive or SSD Vista will have a chance.

  2. M@rc

    04/07/2009 at 7:54 am

    I agree with Warner, it would be stupid to discontinue something that is still giving up lots of money (especially if it’s an old OS that doesn’t require much bug fixing or tech support anymore). Also not that many people tried Win 7 beta, therefore, many people are still thinking that win XP is the only option for a netbook.

  3. Brook

    04/07/2009 at 11:01 am

    If you look at the number of people that download Windows 7 Beta, in the first few days, I believe that the users that are looking to reduce the foot print of windows, that are trying to squeeze as much performance from what they have, you have a market for Windows XP and Windows 7 when and if it is released.

  4. Sumocat

    04/07/2009 at 11:44 am

    With Microsoft and netbooks, I don’t think it’s about the initial revenue stream but the market share. If Joe or Jane Enduser gets used to Linux on their netbook, they will be inclined to keep it when they upgrade or install it on their desktop. Netbooks hardly make a dent in Microsoft’s bottom line now, but if they don’t stay on top of it, they could lose market share and money down the road.

  5. Nicholas

    04/07/2009 at 3:30 pm

    I agree with Warner that this is Microsoft both protecting their income (which is what all businesses do) and also protecting the consumers. People are naturally resistant to change and even though Windows 7 is an amazing OS, it still has to deal with all the bad publicity Microsoft has gotten over the past few years. 8-10months post Windows7 release i believe that consumers will be rushing to it!

    Also we need to remember that Microsoft is not the one making decisions on which SKU is provided on Netbooks, that is the choice of the OEM. Microsoft have said numerous times that all SKUs will run on a Netbook (and we all have Windows 7 Ultimate Beta running on our netbooks dont we?)

  6. GoodThings2Life

    04/07/2009 at 3:52 pm

    Microsoft is definitely protecting their interests, no doubt about it, but I view the consumer as the ultimate winner by the decision. Business users and consumers alike will be able to pick the version they are most familiar with and be able to system restore to the newer version when they’re ready.

    I standardize on HP systems where I work right now, and it’s nice I can continue to downgrade to XP until I’m ready to transition to W7 (and I will be sooner rather than later).

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