On Monday, PC makers including Compaq Computer, Dell Computer and Gateway unveiled a host of new systems preloaded with the latest Microsoft operating system. Prices start at about $750 for desktop models without monitors and $999 for laptops. However, economic uncertainties may mean that the computer-buying public--millions of PC owners whose machines have processors at 500MHz or slower--may initially do more window shopping than buying. Regardless, with Monday as the first day PC makers can offer Windows XP on new systems, manufacturers are attempting to motivate shoppers to upgrade their older PCs.
Officially, Windows XP won't debut until Oct. 25, but Microsoft is permitting PC makers to sell computers with the new OS on Monday. Initially, Microsoft instructed PC makers to soft-pedal the prelaunch. But subtlety appears to be falling by the wayside. And roughly 30 days after the Oct. 25 release, Windows XP will become the near-exclusive OS for consumer computers, according to sources in the PC industry.
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