Dell says No to XP, Recommends Virtual PC

My sister-in-law is shopping for a new laptop and has been customizing a nice little unit on Dell.com.  Only problem she’s had is trying to get a system without Windows Vista.  Like many people she’s been happy with XP and isn’t ready to switch.

Unfortunately, Dell only offers Vista on new machines!

So, I braved the online chat with a Dell representative and asked she could order her system with Windows XP.  The answer was No!  She can’t have XP installed on her new Dell but he recommended downloading Microsoft Virtual PC.  That way she could still create a partition and install Windows XP on it.

I went to Gateway.com and asked somone named Shayla the same question. I was much happier with their response.

BillP says:   Hi Shayla, quick question. My sister is looking for a new laptop. Can she still order one with Windows XP installed?
Shayla says:   We do have that as an option on most of our systems
Shayla says:   Would you like me to help you customize a system?
BillP says:   So Microsoft isn't forcing companies like Gateway to push Vista?
Shayla says:   Not yet
Shayla says:   It's recommended but we do have XP as an option for right now