Microsoft losing on the desktop

[cloverm]

A growing trend of ultra-cheap computers is threatening to damage Microsoft's hold on the desktop software market by attacking the core market to which Windows and Microsoft Office actually sell: PC bundles. Microsoft sells the majority of its Windows and Office licenses preinstalled with new PCs, but as PC prices fall--to as low as US$200 a box this year--the cost of Windows and Office licenses, as a percentage of the total system cost--is rising dramatically. That's causing PC makers to look at alternatives in ever increasing numbers, to both of Microsoft's core products.

http://www.itnews.com.au/storyconten...p;Art_ID=10986

[GhostDawg]

This is good then...we need somebody to give MS competition! ;D

[stryder144]

[quote author=cloverm link=board=13;threadid=5288;start=0#51688 date=1034271537]
A growing trend of ultra-cheap computers is threatening to damage Microsoft's hold on the desktop software market by attacking the core market to which Windows and Microsoft Office actually sell: PC bundles. Microsoft sells the majority of its Windows and Office licenses preinstalled with new PCs, but as PC prices fall--to as low as US$200 a box this year--the cost of Windows and Office licenses, as a percentage of the total system cost--is rising dramatically. That's causing PC makers to look at alternatives in ever increasing numbers, to both of Microsoft's core products.

http://www.itnews.com.au/storyconten...p;Art_ID=10986
[/quote]

Yup, even I bought a sub-$200 computer this year (I know, it was only $0.16 below $200). Not a bad deal, all things considered.

[cga]

With Linux, it has always been possible to buy second-hand gear and build a great system. At work, I have an old P-1 75 MHz with 32 meg of RAM running Linux. It runs fine.

I like saving old stuff from the landfill and making it do neat new stuff.

You can build a nice Linux box for peanuts at the second hand stores.

[pbharris]

it is only a matter of time people.

[FLY_FISHER]

This is good news.
Time will tell. ;D

[kenshi]

Walmart is already in on that. Their $200 computer (which my mom ordered one for my brother) ships with Lindows. They have a Windows version with the exact same hardware for $250. Surely people have to see that and kind of wonder.

[cj171]

another good example of M$ overcharging would be office....altho theyre trying to balance it out now with works 2003, but still OO or SO are a better deal!
-CJ