PriceSCAN Blog

It's been almost five years since the release of XP, and during that time a lot has happened. The development of Vista has been a tale of pushed-back launch dates, redesigns and struggles with backwards-compatibility. And it's not like the current version of Windows has inspired universal acclaim and appreciation (when was the last time the guy in the cubicle next to you cried out "God, I love Windows!" sans irony?). Meanwhile, an iPod-invigorated Apple offers Intel-based machines capable of running Mac OS, Windows and Linux, while ultra-cheap Linux-loaded laptops are available from the likes of Wal-Mart.
Microsoft's response, as revealed by this pricing, is nothing less than the full, heartfelt yawn of a monopolist. The above so-called competitive threats have put nary a dent in Microsoft's stranglehold on the desktop OS market, and despite oft-blogged doubts regarding Vista (the Aero interface is said to consume processor power with gusto), Redmond seems convinced the world will simply swallow its latest offering with all the docility of grazing sheep. Given consumer behavior up to the present, it's not like Redmond's assumption lacks foundation.
Now if only they'd offer an Aero-enhanced version of "Clippy"...