XP’s Encore

XP loyalists take heart -- if you’ve been hesitant about buying a new system because you don’t want Vista, take a look at Dell’s Web site. The company is offering four Inspiron and two Dimension models with XP as an optional operating system. Gamers or others looking for high-end systems will find XP on a few XPS systems.

Since the launch of Vista, several manufacturers did keep a few XP PCs on hand, but they were oriented toward business users. Dell is the first we’ve seen with consumer systems. The XP-based Inspirons are the 1405, 1501, 1505, and 1705; the Dimensions are the E520 and E521; the XPS systems are the 710s. You can choose from XP Home and XP Pro for the Dimensions and Inspirons; the XPS 710s also let you purchase XP Media Center Edition.

You have to dig around to actually find the systems. From the Home & Home Office Notebook/Desktop shopping page, look for the logo on the right side of the page that asks, “Still looking for XP?”; or go to Dell’s Ideas in Action page, which is where Dell announced the program. It has links to the Inspiron and Dimension models.

The company says it made the decision based on extensive customer feedback. The lesson: If you want something, speak up. You just might be heard.

-- Donna Tapellini

Comments

[John Versendaal]

I'm a computer user since 3.1 I've gone through all the Issues with all Windows opperating systems through it's inception with all thier problems. I have Vista Home Premium Media package. I did not like it at first. But if you take the time to see how to instal the patches and compaable drivers, which do take some time most software and hardware will work, contact the manufacture to update for Vista you won't be disapionted. As far as gamers I don't know the problems. But if you like media you will not be disapionted. If you have an issue with Vista contact Microsoft and they will help you with you're issues. I have and was verry pleased on telling me where to look to fix my issues. If you have XP take a test drive before you buy. Good Luck..... HEADWING

[Jennifer]

Thanks for that link Donna. I love that I can still get XP -- and it may be the reason I go with Dell.

This Vista fiasco has to be hurting Microsoft. A lot of bloggers have been switching, or just all-out questioning the role that Microsoft is playing Web 2.0.

Shelly Palmer wrote a good send-up of Vista, in "Cracked Windows":
http://advancedmediacommittee.typepad.com/emmyadvancedmedia/2007/02/cracked_windows.html

It's good to see that Dell is listening to us bloggers.

- Jennifer