Most Laptop PC Buyers Go for Vista Home Premium Systems

US retailers received a big PC sales boost during the first week of Windows Vista launch, while the most of laptop PC buyers purchased the Vista Home Premium preloaded systems, according to Current Analysis market researcher.

“PC unit sales soared 173 per cent at US retail stores during the week ending 3 February, compared with PC sales in the previous week, according to the report. Current Analysis also noted that during Vista’s debut week PC unit sales rose 67 per cent compared with the same period a year ago. Computers loaded with Microsoft’s new operating system, Vista, made their debut on 30 January, but initial reports found interest paled in comparison with launches of previous versions of Windows,” CNet reports.

Current Analysis also found that demand was higher for computers with the more expensive (Premium) versions of the Microsoft’s new operating system.

Notebooks with Vista Home Premium pre-installed accounted for 76 per cent of all laptop PC sales, while Vista Home Basic represented only 16 per cent, according to the report. Current Analysis also noted that Vista Home Premium laptops carried an average sales price of $863, while the Home Basic notebooks had an average sales price of $616.

Unlike Windows Vista Home Basic, the Home Premium Edition features Windows Aero 3D desktop and Windows Media Center, as same as laptop-use Windows Mobility Center providing advanced power management for longer battery life.