Microsoft looks to save the economy with Windows 7

[cbdo2007]

The Wall Street Journal - OCTOBER 22, 2009.

But in PCs, Windows 7 Is the Spoiler

By JUSTIN SCHECK AND NICK WINGFIELD

Cash-strapped consumers have been slow to buy personal computers in the recession. But with the launch of Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows 7 operating system Thursday, PC makers are aiming to reverse that trend—and then some.

Companies are expecting that Windows 7's improved features over earlier Microsoft operating systems, including Vista and XP, will lure more consumers into stores. And they are betting that heightened demand will allow them to stanch recent price declines in the market.

Hewlett-Packard Co., Dell Inc., Toshiba America Inc. and Acer Inc., among others, are releasing a flood of high-end laptops with slim cases and glossy designs, and new one-piece touch-screen desktops, that they hope consumers will be willing to pay a premium for. At the low end, some companies are charging an extra $20 or more for mini-PCs that combine Windows 7 with new finishes. And in the midrange, some PC makers are raising prices, or at least keeping them steady.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703816204574485611074967106.html

[Systematic Chaos]

1. I can't believe I'm saying this, but Windows 7 looks like a very good OS.

I'll find out shortly when my pre-ordered copy of Professional 64-bit arrives. :D

[AllentownJake]

2. People who don't have money

because they are laid off or underemployed are not going to go out and buy a computer you fucking morons.

[cbdo2007]

7. That's why nobody is counting on people who "don't have money" to save/fix the economy.

But I'm sure you've got a MUCH better solution to fixing the economy than people buying stuff. :)

Good luck with that!

[LanternWaste]

10. But people like me who have been in the market for a laptop for some time

But people like me who have been in the market for a laptop for some time, yet have been waiting out of hesitancy may in all probability go out and get one.

[cbdo2007]

14. Expecially this Christmas....I'd wait another month if I were you and there will be some great deals

[ddeclue]

3. Linux is free.

[villager]

5. it most certainly is!

;-)

[cbdo2007]

6. Everyone I know who uses Linux spends about 50% of their time trying to get it to work.

Whereas, sure my Windows has problems but works perfect for me 95% of the time.

[SecularMotion]

17. "50% of their time" is an exaggeration

Try Ubuntu yourself, you'll find it's a lot easier to use than what you've been told.

[eShirl]

19. Ubuntu needs to make it easier for first-time users to get it going for the 1st time, imo

like an introductory version for complete Ubuntu Dummies or something

once you know your way around it's not so bad

[BolivarianHero]

4. rofl...

It's pretty sad when we rely on a monetized product with free alternatives to save our economy. I use Vista because it came with my laptop and I use some applications that are only available in Windows, but isn't this a little bit ridiculous?

I suppose I should do my bit for "the econonmy" and pay for Office 2007 instead of using OpenOffice.org *rolls eyes*.

[Amonester]

8. I pledge to wait until the day the corporate hacks will be 'forced'

to stop gauging the (remaining) consumers just because m$ does it (today)

I am ready to endure having this slow machine of mine running 'hasta la vista' for a few more months (until the 'new' and 'faster' machines' prices will drop significantly for lacking (enough) consumers purchasing them)

That will 'teach' them H1B hacks! :rofl:

[KatyMan]

13. I think Vista isn't as intuitive as they think

at least in my small experience with it. But overall, I can't say that I've had the sorts of problems other people have had with MS. I'm an IT pro, and deal way more heavily in server OS's than desktops, but we've never had problems at home with our machines, and we only run Windows. I think it has everything to do with the fact that I'm 'in the biz', but their OS's aren't as bad as some make them out to be, if you know what you're doing with them.
Flame away...

[cbdo2007]

15. I agree with your statements.

For the average computer user, which covers about 90% of the computer users out there - Windows is great and works just fine. My only problem with Vista was that it looks goofy and I do get occasional errors that are easy fixes. I probably won't upgrade to Windows 7 for another 6 months or so but am looking forward to the updates.

[KatyMan]

21. I don't get why the move things around so much

finding stuff like wireless connections and all on Vista was pretty frustrating. Enough that we only have 1 laptop using it, and that only because it came preinstalled.
I'm interested in 7, and will likely do a test install on an XP desktop. It IS idiotic that there's no upgrade path from XP considering no major corporation (that I know of) ever went to Vista.

[FarCenter]

9. I'm waiting for a Windows 7 desktop for $500 or less

20" monitor,
4 GB ram,
640 GB disk,
Intel i7 processor,

[BolivarianHero]

11. wtf?

Either you're joking or you know less about computers than Bush knows about running a country.

[thunder rising]

12. wow ... it's that 4MB of ram that should send the costs soaring...

[The Straight Story]

16. I would bet it WILL create some jobs

Companies have put off upgrading from XP for years. Doing mass amounts of upgrades will require techs to help push it out, install new systems, etc.

[Kansas Wyatt]

18. Because of compatibility problems.

Did they make Windows 7 compatible with all XP compatible programs?

[KillCapitalism]

20. I don't see how it will help create many jobs at all.

All the computer hardware Windows 7 will run on is made in places like China, Taiwan, South Korea, or Malaysia, NOT the US.

[cbdo2007]

24. Are you familiar with how retail sales work?

[Initech]

22. I pre-oredered the upgrade at half price.

[HopeHoops]

23. Another piece of shit OS from M$ - yeah, now THAT will help!

I recently got a 10" mini from HP with LINUX installed at the factory. Best damn box I've ever had!

I'll wait until the whining dies down (six months or so) before I even take a look at Win 7.