PC Buyers to Be Offered a Free Vista Upgrade Coupon in October

Microsoft and the world’s leading PC vendors have reached an agreement to promote the new Windows Vista operating system by offering PC buyers worldwide a free upgrade coupon starting in October, as a way of encouraging them to buy a Vista-capable PC as early as possible, Digi Times published according to information leaked from Taiwan-based PC makers.

Ray Chen, president of computer manufacturer Compal, confirmed the coupon offer at a company investor conference held yesterday, stating that the free upgrade coupon, together with the availability of Intel’s Core 2 Duo Mobile (Merom) 64-bit processors, will help boost demand for new PCs in the fourth quarter of this year as well as in the first quarter of 2007.

The leak of the coupon-offering plan indicates that Microsoft may launch the Vista OS in January 2007, in line with its revised schedule, the sources said.

Also, according to today Atomic Park’s press release, Vista is expected to ship January 2007. Atomic Park, a technology e-retailer, announced that they are taking reservations for Microsoft’s upcoming Windows Vista operating system on their website. Customers can reserve a full version of any of the Vista operating systems for a deposit of $100, or an upgrade version for a deposit of $50.

“Finally, while we do list the most current release date available, please note that manufacturers may experience product launch delays,” says Atomic Park in a footer of Vista’s reservation page.

Microsoft and PC vendors to offer upgrade coupon to promote Vista-capable PCs in 4Q

Microsoft Windows Vista Preorder - Reserve Windows Vista Today!