Compaq offers free XP upgrade for Presario systems
Posted by Marcel Klum on 11 September 2001 - 07:31 · no comments & 805 views
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Presario notebooks and desktop PCs bought on or after Sept. 1 have a coupon in the box, directing customers to a Web site where they can order the free upgrade. Compaq plans to pre-install Windows XP on all Presarios shipped to retail outlets and direct sales channels starting on the official XP launch date of Oct. 25, according to a news release from Compaq. The free upgrade will ship about a month after the October XP release date.
All Presario notebooks and PCs shipped from Compaq since late June have been "XP ready," meaning they include operating system software versions that allow users to upgrade to Windows XP without having to re-install applications.
Compaq customers who purchased XP-ready computers before the free offer begins can purchase an operating system upgrade for US$29.99, according to a company spokeswoman. The free upgrade offer applies to nearly all Presario models sold after Sept. 1.
Secrets and spies
Games-wise, it's anticipated HomeStation will play both PC and Xbox titles. Indeed, Microsoft's Xbox will pave the way by establishing Microsoft as a home entertainment brand. But with the Xbox launch gearing up for a showdown with the PS2, Microsoft is keeping HomeStation under wraps. One source close to Redmond was shocked when PCFormat asked about the HomeStation: "I can't say a thing. Listen, the thing is, Microsoft is sidestepping this so as not to distract from the Xbox. It's really hush hush hush - I don't know where you heard this!" Well, heard it we have. And we've had people from Microsoft, Intel, AMD and nVIDIA all alluding to the HomeStation, but refusing to 'fess up on the record. When pressed, Microsoft's Senior Vice President (Games Division) Robert J Bach insisted, "This has nothing to do with me." One flustered Microsoft analyst stumbled: "I haven't heard of HomeStation, but I know that Angela has." And an insider at a potential partner said, "It's no secret to anyone in this industry. The first thing people say is you're not even supposed to know about it, let alone its name."
.NET profit
HomeStation is critical for Microsoft, which is keen to free its corporate anchor from the PC. With the market approaching saturation, the firm is suffering diminishing returns on each version of Windows, and is looking towards the living room for growth. More significant is the role the HomeStation will play in Microsoft's internet vision. The broadband device puts the company's .NET strategy into your front room. "They'll sell it cheap, with the revenues coming from online services and profiling," revealed one source. "What's the pressure to push people into buying this? It's convergence - video on demand, software rental, games rental and music." All of which is already on the cards with Microsoft's WebTV service in the US and its 24 per cent stake in Telewest, whose Blueyonder broadband network serves 4.9 million UK homes.
Because HomeStation will function through a Microsoft gateway, the device will be poised to profile the activities of its users straight back to Microsoft. Information is power and, as advertising becomes increasingly targeted, it's a fast track to big bucks.
The device's launch is heavily dependant on broadband becoming widely available, but you can expect the HomeStation marketing machine to be gearing up by this time next year.