October 27, 2006

Just What a Christmas PC Buyer Needs: More Hassle. Mossberg’s Solution: Don’t Buy

Filed under: Business Moves, Economy, Money Tip of the Day — TBlumer @ 8:10 am

Buy a computer, get a coupon for the operating that will make it work best (on January 30, 2007, assuming it gets done).

As much as I’d like to see the economy zip along with the help of a strong Christmas shopping season, I found it hard to argue against the suggestion Walter Mossberg made in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal (requires subscription):

It’s time for my annual fall computer buyer’s guide, and this year my message is a little unusual. If you’re thinking of acquiring or giving a new Windows desktop or laptop computer this holiday season, don’t do it. I suggest that, if at all possible, you wait around 90 days and get that new Windows machine in February.

I advise this delay because the Windows world is on the verge of an upheaval. Microsoft is about to replace its tired, insecure Windows XP operating system with the first all-new version of Windows in more than five years. It’s called Windows Vista, and it’s likely to be more secure and easier to use. But Vista won’t be available until around Jan. 30, 2007. So, all those brand-new Windows computers you might buy this holiday season will be powered by an operating system that is on its deathbed.

Of course, you can upgrade most new Windows XP computers you buy now to Windows Vista after January. And starting today, Microsoft and PC makers are offering an Express Upgrade program that will provide copies of Vista for free, or at reduced prices, to people who buy Windows XP machines bearing a “Vista Capable” sticker from now through mid-March.

The catch is that upgrading PCs to major new operating system releases can be a tricky business. Often, it works just fine, but in many cases there are significant problems. It’s always better to buy a new PC that has been matched at the factory with the latest operating system. Waiting just another 90 days could save you a lot of upgrading aggravation.

I have to agree with Mossberg that the potential perils of migrating to a new operating system can be daunting, and that many non-techie consumers would be better off avoiding it if they can.

If Mister Softee keeps diddling around with Vista and slows down the tech sector, maybe we should call the next downturn The Microsoft Recession.

2 Comments

  1. This kind of operating system silliness is exactly why I’ve been leaning toward replacing my Dell laptop with a Mac. I’m weary of constant bug fixes needing to be downloaded, and I have precious little patience for the downright crappy customer “service” offered by Dell and Mister Softee.

    Since I’m basically only going to use my laptop for blogging, e-mail, and surfing the net, do you think I’m leaning in the wrong direction?

    Comment by The Puddle Pirate — October 28, 2006 @ 4:44 pm

  2. IMBO (in my biased opinion), you are leaning in the correct direction, esp because if you want to or need to run Windows XP on a Mac, you can, using either Apple’s Boot Camp (with reboot required) or a product called Parallels (no reboot):

    http://www.parallels.com/en/news/id,9598

    I’m seeing some catalog offers that include Parallels in the Mac’s price.

    Comment by TBlumer — October 28, 2006 @ 5:08 pm

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