Top personal computer makers, including Dell Computer Corp.
DELL.O, said on
Wednesday they have begun selling some PCs with Microsoft Corp.'s widely
anticipated new
MSFT.O Windows XP operating system four weeks ahead of its scheduled launch,
in a speedy turnaround that analysts say is designed to help slumping sales.
After a year of slow sales, Microsoft, semiconductor maker Intel Corp.INTC.O
and the PC makers such as Compaq Computer Corp.
CPQ.N Corp. and
Gateway Inc. GTW.N
have been counting on an boost in sales from the launch of XP, analysts said.
The PC makers said they would ship the PCs with the latest version of the
dominant operating system on Sept. 24. That will put XP into the hands of
businesses and consumers about four weeks ahead of the scheduled retail launch
date on Oct. 25.
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