Date: 04-29-2008
Dell, Lenovo, and Hewlett-Packard (HP) have decided to buck Microsoft’s decision to stop making Windows XP available after June 30; the trio will reportedly take advantage of a Windows Vista “downgrade” licensing clause which will allow them to continue offering XP as a downgrade from Vista. Dell has plans to equip their PCs with a CD for installing Windows XP along with purchase of either the “Business” or “Ultimate” versions of Windows Vista. Dell will even do the installation for buyers. HP and Lenovo will also launch their “downgrade” programs in short order, according to media sources. Lenovo plans to extend Windows XP’s availability in its PCs until 2009, Dell promises to extend XP’s life until 2010, while HP has not indicated how long it will continue to sell the operating system. Earlier this month, even Microsoft agreed to extend the availability of Windows XP — but only for low-cost PCs — until June 2010.
