It seems that the Vista ‘capable’ issue is surfacing again; this time the plaintiffs are asking for class action status in the case against Microsoft. You may recall that before Vista was released, some computers being sold had ‘Vista Capable’ stickers affixed to the units, which suggested the computers would run Vista when it was released. Plaintiffs in the case stated that on some units, only Vista Basic was supported. They also allege that this was not properly indicated to consumers when they made their original purchases. Some even stated that salespeople were telling folks that Vista would run on the systems.

Microsoft states that the sticker did mean Vista would run on the system and that the plaintiffs alleging this meant all versions of Vista were incorrect. Since Vista Basic is one of the products Microsoft produces, then the systems were in fact Vista capable to run Vista Basic.

Microsoft on its Web site explains what it considers as being Vista ‘Capable’ and Vista ‘Premium’ ready PCs as:

Can the Windows Vista experience vary on different PCs?

Yes. Windows Vista is the first Windows operating system with a user experience that adapts to take advantage of the capabilities of the hardware on which it is installed.

All Windows Vista Capable PCs will be able to run at least the core experiences of Windows Vista.

All Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs can deliver even better Windows Vista experiences, including the new Windows Aero user experience.

It should be interesting to see what the courts decide in this matter.

What do you think? Should the terms ‘Capable’ and ‘Premium” have been explained better before a purchaser bought a new system? Or was it a case of buyer beware?

Full Web site details are here.