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October 27, 2006

Vista Ultimate Not Included In Express Upgrade?

From descriptions on computer vendors websites, it appears as if Windows Vista Ultimate Edition will not be available as part of the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista program. On HP's website, it specifically states "This program does not offer an upgrade path to Windows Vista Ultimate. If you are interested in upgrading to Windows Vista Ultimate, please visit your retailer to purchase the full-packaged-software version." This is quite a blow to tech enthusiasts, and means that these types of upgrades will have to be purchased through retailers or directly from Microsoft.

Another issue with the Express Upgrade is that users of Windows XP PRO seem to be stuck with an upgrade to Windows Vista Business. While many users of XP PRO are business users who may benefit from such an upgrade, once again it is the tech enthusiasts running XP PRO who are being stuck with an option they may not want. With the cost of Windows Vista Ultimate being significantly higher than some of the lower tiered versions, many users may instead opt for their free upgrade. Microsoft could be losing out with this aspect of the program, as there are many users who would probably be willing to pony up the extra dollars to upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate, but will not want to have to upgrade to a lesser version, and then pay to upgrade once again to Ultimate.

It also appears as if plea's for some kind of multiple upgrade discount for families has gone unanswered, which is sad because Microsoft could have really capitalized on something like that. Due to the high retail cost of Windows Vista, many families will probably end up waiting until they can buy new systems rather than spending the money to upgrade their current systems to Vista. With home users of computers numbering more than ever before, this is certainly a lucrative market segment to which Microsoft could have targeted their marketing efforts in a better way.

With Windows Vista, the Ultimate edition promises to deliver everything a consumer could want out of an operating system, with everything from full Media capabilities, to ultimate business tools. In addition, there will be the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras, which promise to add special features that will only be available to users of the Ultimate Edition when they are first released. Although the Express Upgrade program has already been announced, perhaps Microsoft will consider revising the program before Vista launches.

Posted by jrfree1 at October 27, 2006 08:12 AM