Windows XP carries hopes of sales jump

By PETER GRIFFIN

New Zealand PC buyers were the first in the world yesterday to get their hands on Windows XP, billed by many as Microsoft's biggest advance in software design since the introduction of Windows 95.

Auckland manufacturer The PC Company released pre-loaded computers seconds after midnight, and among the first buyers was All Black Doug Howlett.

The software is officially scheduled to hit store shelves on October 25, but manufacturers worldwide will begin selling the software loaded on Machines this week, hoping XP's features will drive pre-Christmas sales in a sluggish market.

PC Company marketing manager Kerry Mancer said many buyers had been holding off for the release of Windows XP and he expected strong interest from the company's customer base of 100,000 as well as from new PC buyers.

He said the PC Company - which has sold about 20,000 PCs this year, putting it third in the local desktop market according to analyst group IDC - had for several months been gearing its computers around Windows XP, bundling CD writers and web cameras and boosting memory to an entry-level 256MB to suit the platform's media functions.

"This time they've actually got it right," said Mr Mancer.

"There's a huge improvement in ease of use. The difficulty in the past was that operating systems were designed for use by computer people.

"It will also be easier to support than operating systems like Windows Me."

IDC market analyst Darian Bird doubted that XP would fuel a surge in demand for PCs.

"The interest won't be at the same levels as when Windows 95 was released. A lot of businesses and home users will take a wait-and-see approach."

But he added that falling hardware prices and growing interest in Pentium 4 chip technology would stimulate the market for XP.

Microsoft says it has invested $US150 million ($374 million) worldwide and marshalled 600 employees to ensure a smooth transition to XP.

A 35MB file on its XP website allows users to check the platform's compatibility with their hardware and software configurations.

Windows users can upgrade to the Home edition of XP for $US99 and the Professional edition for $US199. Buying the software from scratch will cost $US199 and $US299 respectively.

Links


Windows XP Home Edition Upgrade Advisor