OS Woes - Wherefore art thou XP Pro?

Hello,

It is probably worth considering that while there is a percentage of Dell’s customers who want the latest hardware but paired with an older version of the Microsoft Windows operating system, it is still only a percentage. Most consumers like to buy “the newest thing” which is in their budget, whether it be a car or a computer.

I did take a look at Dell’s web site today and it appears that the Dimension line is offered exclusively with Vista. You might want to consider purchasing OptiPlexes or Precision Workstations. Dell sells these with Microsoft Windows XP. They are, of course, more expensive than the Dimension line, but these are computers designed more for business than home use, and should come with better management and warranty service than the products geared towards consumers.

Alternatively, you might want to look at computers from a company like MPC (Micron), Lenovo or, as you mentioned, Hewlett-Packard, as they all ship office PCs with your choice of XP or Vista. Of course, they typically cannot compete on cost with similarly-configured computers from Dell, but that’s a choice you as a business owner will have to make. Often, paying just a little bit more for a computer can give you much better quality and reliability, but those costs do add up, especially if you are maintaining a large amount of systems.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

Not only that but these days microsoft seems to think that newest is best, and, sometimes it is. But not always. I myself am classified as somewhat of a geek where computers are concerned. Always have been you could say. I’ve looked into buying a computer with Windows Vista Home Basic and just don’t see the point. Why spend more money on an upgrade you don’t even need?

Sure it has cool features and makes life a bit easier. However, you have to consider the fact that you would have to learn about how to use it which would make the OS you currently have much easier in the mean time. Linux is another solution. Not the the newbies but for a computer geek like myself. Of course, as microsoft see is, you should have the newest if you want the updates and you should have to learn something new even if you already enjoy what you currently have. So, does that mean that I should learn linux and use that? Get updates every 6 months compared to ever so many years? Not have to pay a damn thing and nothing really changes all that much? That’s fine with me. I also have more control over my computer as such and can help people learn linux instead of them having to buy a new computer when their xp systems aren’t working to their expectations. Why spend; why not save?

Amen brother!!

I have no problem with the OEMs providing the new OS on new systems. As you pointed out, customers should have the right to run whatever OS they want.

I still have Windows 98SE CDs…if I want to install this and use it why should Microsoft care…granted, I probably will be lacking quite a few patches by now and since no more are available I would probably be “cutting off my nose to spite my face” if you know what I mean.

There is nothing wrong with XP except that Microsoft wants to force everyone off of it. Kind of funny, the marketing when XP came out sounded exactly the same..now it seems XP is their red-headed step child…the hypocrisy is amazing to me by both Microsoft and these OEMs..

Good advice to Dell…I can see us eventually moving to another vendor as well if they aren’t willing to keep a loyal customer happy.

Peace!

Aryeh;

Good advice but I think you missed my point. I am a Dell fan and this is for my personal use. The Optiplex is priced for business users and I am making my first foray into the realm of notebook computing, mostly so I can write no matter where I am. I cover fantasy sports and have often been at my favorite cigar bar wishing I could write about some of the conversations I hear or am involved in while they are happening…peoples reactions to current events as they are reacting, that kind of thing.

I also want a good price, and Dell is usually right in there. If they really build them to order, as they lead me to believe, why not let me order a differnt OS during the “Customize it” phase of the process?

Finally, when I go to the small business section, the system doesn’t allow me to use my Dell credit account, since it is a Home and Home Office account. That makes no sense to me…it all goes into the same financial statement after all.

I have just phoned Dell this evening. The man I spoke to, it seemed, only wanted to sell me the latest up to date technology. Not what I actually wanted.

I have to say however, not really knowing what all the techno babble means but, All I wanted (want) is a portable MP3 player in the shape of a laptop.

Something that will plug into the mixer of my sound system and play music. This guy was talking £600 or £700.

I’m not very happy with Dell and will probably look elsewhere.

I’ve been laptop shopping lately and can’t find anything that comes with XP Pro. I’ve struggled enough with Vista to know that I absolutely DO NOT WANT IT. Not only is it an insane resource hog, but it requires extensive configuration in order to use it like I use XP. Bleh.

Why we don’t have an OPTION to CHOOSE an OS is beyond me. It looks like I’ll have to waste time formatting a newly purchased computer and installing XP. - Perhaps this could be a new business for a middle man. I’d gladly pay someone $150 to wipe out Vista and install XP on a new machine. Time is money…

Why don’t you purchase a new old stock XP pro, there are several for sale at the moment. I came across them when looking to acquire XP pro myself.
Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2009.
HJ