Got an extra $50? Dell will be happy to give you Windows XP instead of Vista on Vostro systems, others get XP free, some not at all

By Steven Rosenberg on June 18, 2008 10:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) |

I predicted that Dell would cling to Windows XP as long as possible, with the sole reason being that customers want it.

But now you'll have to pay between $20 and $50 extra for the privilege on the low-cost Vostro line of desktop and laptop PCs, as I read at ZDNet, via Computerworld.

Yes, you heard right. To "downgrade" to XP from Vista, it'll cost you. And the downgrade is only available for Vista Business and Vista Ultimate. If the machine you choose ships Vista Home, you're out of luck.

But if you're like some of my readers, who really, really want XP, that might not be too much to ask.

The good news: Other Dell business computers, specifically those in the Latitude, OptiPlex and Precision lines, will have an XP option at no additional charge.

And the consumer-aimed Inspiron? No XP for you.

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