Microsoft will let users downgrade from Windows 7 all the way to XP, a source at HP claims. That means you’ll still be able to get the 8 year old Windows XP on new netbooks even after Windows 7 launches.
AppleInsider’s source says HP has cut a deal with Microsoft to continue selling Windows XP on new PCs until April 30th 2010. Any new PCs will ship with Windows 7, but you’ll be able to buy Microsoft’s older OS Windows XP with it until that date.
If true, this is a nice safety net for netbooks, where the more lightweight Windows XP still dominates, but it’s bad news for Microsoft, which doesn’t want a two-generations old platform to be its most popular still.
So far it seems, HP is the only manufacturer to strike this deal with Microsoft, but you can bet others will be lining up to follow, so we’ll keep you posted on Microsoft’s movements.
Out TBC | £TBC | Microsoft (Via AppleInsider)
