BUT YOU NEED A NEW COMPUTER BEFORE OCTOBER? The word is out that Microsoft will cooperate with PC makers and vendors to provide a coupon, beginning June 26, that will allow purchasers of computers loaded with Vista to upgrade to W-7 when it’s introduced on October 22.
Manufacturers and retailers both were worried that too many people would put off buying new computers for the next four months so that they could get the new browser. (and there’s no doubt that would be the case…Ed.) PC World reports:
PC vendors will have to pay between US$9 and US$15 per PC to include an upgrade coupon with a new computer, said an executive at one Taiwanese PC maker. People will use information on the coupon to download a copy of Windows 7 from a Microsoft Web site once the software is on sale, he said, and Microsoft will also send the holder a copy of the operating system on a disc.
Another executive said the upgrade coupons will be good from June 26 through Jan. 31, 2010 and are meant to encourage people to buy new PCs ahead of the Oct. 22 launch date for Windows 7.
Some vendors and retailers will probably eat the cost of the coupon and sell their computers with a “free upgrade” offer. It will be their option on how to handle it.
