Only people who know what they’re getting into should be allowed to buy computers
February 17, 2009 • Technology • Comments
From Engadget:
[Emma Alvarado is suing Microsoft over its XP "downgrade" fees]. Los Angeles woman bought a Lenovo PC last June and had to pay an additional $59.25 to downgrade to XP, which she claims is simply a case of Microsoft taking advantage of consumer demand for XP to pad its profits. The suit further alleges that the seemingly endless extensions of the XP deadline were “likely due to the tremendous profits that Microsoft has reaped from its ‘downgrade’ option.” (Source)
Three things:
- Lenovo sold the computer, not Microsoft (it was also Lenovo who put the price tag which she paid for – well, what do you know?!). Woman, you’re barking at the wrong tree.
- The woman willingly paid for the computer with full knowledge it will come with anything but Windows XP (we know this because all manufacturers are required to put technical specifications readily available at time of purchase), and that she will need to pony up $59 for the perceived “privilege” of running a 7-year old operating system.
- Here’s where it gets technical (well, not really): Windows XP has been pulled out of the consumer retail market last 06 30, 08, and what she’s essentially paying for is an extension of Windows XP’s business licensing.
The reason why businesses are allowed to still get Windows XP is because enterprises (i.e., the big companies) have highly-customized, touchy-feely, Frankenstein business applications developed in-house (i.e., not the Microsoft Office kind you buy off the shelf) that stop working altogether during these kinds of OS upgrades. One more thing: enterprises hire professionals to make sure that those XP computers run just fine.
I am not sure where that $59 goes to, but I’d imagine Lenovo accounts for these XP downgrade-ready systems as if they’re enterprise purchases, which, incidentally, are priced at a premium compared to retail consumer computers (the premium pricing is related to post-sales support. I know this because this is what I do for a living). Every other company who’s been “up-selling” Windows XP, post- June 30 must be doing something along these lines as well.
Lastly, I’m not very good with math, but I think $59 is cheaper than paying for a laywer.



