Windows 7 to Usher in Profitless Prosperity

“But is it good for the tech industry for laptops and netbooks
alike to sell for fire-sale prices? And can hardware providers
build healthy businesses around a new, premium-priced operating
system?

““It’s getting harder and harder to sell anything
over $800,” CNET over the weekend quoted IDC analyst Bob
O’Donnell as saying about the portable computer market. The
CNET article also notes that the price of an HP EliteBook 2530p
business notebook in August 2008 was $1,500, while an upcoming
ProBook 5310m notebook, less than inch thick and featuring a slick
aluminum case, will be just $699. That new computer, and its
rock-bottom price, will arrive with Windows 7 on the day that
Microsoft’s new operating system ships: Oct. 22nd.”

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