Ron Schenone

Vista Capable Computers – Courts To Decide On Consumer Complaints

Posted by on Aug 13, 2007 | 11 Comments

A US District Court judge has decided that a class action suit brought against Microsoft may proceed, to determine if the mega bucks software company used false and deceptive advertising. It seems some of those computers that were sold prior to the release of Windows Vista, had a label affixed that indicated to the buyer that the systems were ‘Vista capable’. What wasn’t revealed was that some of these boxes would only run the Basic version of Vista.

What is the Basic version of Vista? It is a stripped down version of Vista with none of the pretty bells and whistle that Vista should have like Aero, Media Center not even DVD software. So when these folks went to put on Home Premium or Business editions of Vista , they may have found that their ‘Vista Capable’ sticker did not apply. Ouch! That would of hurt. The system requirements for Vista are high and require some hefty hardware and memory to perform properly.

To add to the confusion, Microsoft had two designations. One for Capable and another for Ready. Not to many people knew the difference and Ready machines were the systems designed specifically to run Home Premium and Business editions. If one were a risk taker, you might even get Ultimate to work for you as well. Or look at it this way. A Ford Focus may be Capable of running at the Indy 500 put the smart money would be placed on the machines that are Ready to run the race. :-)

If you were one of the people who bought a Capable machine, I’d like to hear your thoughts on how it worked out for you.

Comments welcome.

[tags]windows, vista, basic, home, business, capable, ready, [/tags]

  • Wolfhard

    That’s the same like the fuss here in Europe with the “HD Ready” labels on TVs.
    Look, if you want to make a useful buying-decision then you have to make you homework!
    If you buy a car there are no stickers saying “off-road capable”. Everyone knows that if they buy a Ferrari they have to stay on the asphaltic roads.
    That’s no more than splitting hairs!
    I think Vista Basic is also Vista and if you buy an ultra-cheap PC it’s common sense that you can’t use all the goodies Vista offers…

  • marc klink

    For the lawyers, the WOW starts now!

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Wolfhard and Marc,
    Thanks for both of your comments.
    Ron

  • Liquidsnake

    I agree with Wolfhard, I mean if you are buying something as expensive as a laptop you have to do your homework.
    Besides, regular consumers don’t even know what Vista is until they see it installed in their computer. Someone who actually knows what Vista is before it’s even out I guarantee you knows what kind of machine you need to run it. Although yes, they could have been more especific when saying if it’s “Aero Ready” or not.

  • Liquidsnake

    Oh yeah there should be a sticker also saying “No compatibility with other software once Vista is installed” -_-

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Liquidsnake.
    Oh yeah there should be a sticker also saying “No compatibility with other software once Vista is installed” -_-

    GOOD ONE ! LOL

    Ron

  • http://kylekeeton.com kyle keeton

    Hey Ron,

    Yes,
    My machine has a sticker that says: “Designed for Windows XP, Windows Vista capable.”
    It worked as good with Vista as Xp. No problems!
    The machine works even better now though!
    Has Linux installed :) ))

    Kyle

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Kyle,
    Thanks for the info. I’m glad Linux is working so well for you. :-)
    Tke care.
    Ron

  • melinda moser

    I dont like Vista at all. I have to right click on my computer to delete programs. Where is this feature in Control Panel? Hello Microsoft. Where is your consumer complaint area?

    Got a link, please send it to me. I dont have 5 years to relearn a difficult beta operating system.

  • D Lowrey

    Something which should be on the top of the list is see if you can find out how long it has been since the infrastructure has been serviced or replaced. The reason is that our current apartment had been vacant for years before we moved in. Having issues with connection speeds and the connection…found out that varmits had chewed away some of the shielding on the coax around the apartment complex. After several service calls with no results…the cable company went up the pole and found the old coax and replaced it with new.

    I understand the cable/phone company may not know…but always ask.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Ivor-Biggun/100002335297913 Ivor Biggun

    you forgot to mention servers that have staff who don’t speak good English