| It's not too early to start comparison-shopping for Microsoft's new operating 
system, as at least one retailer has already marked down Windows XP.
Costco.com, the Web unit for members-only 
discount retailer Costco, is taking preorders for the upgrade version of Windows 
XP Professional for $184.99--$15 below Microsoft's list price. Microsoft last 
week announced 
that the estimated retail price for the full version of Windows XP Professional, 
the business version of the software, would cost $299. The upgrade 
version--which can be used by those who already have a relatively recent copy of 
Windows on their PC--will cost $199. The full consumer version of the software, 
due in stores Oct. 25, will be $199, or $99 for the upgrade version. |