Home

Indifference

HP and Dell Express Indifference to European Stripped-Down Windows

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on April 1, 2005 - 4:42am.
Brussels -- HP and Dell Inc., two of the largest PC makers in the world, have thrown a recent EU ruling against Microsoft into question after they expressed indifference to the stripped-down version of the Windows operating system, due to hit stores within weeks. In a recent interview with Dow Jones Newswires, Dell said it had no plans to offer Windows XP Home and Professional Edition N -- which come without Microsoft's Media Player -- at all. HP said it might offer the versions, but added that it did not expect them to be in great demand, as there is no price difference between versions with Media Player and those without. Because Windows Media Player is a free download from Microsoft's website, many pundits argue that it makes little sense to sell the N version more cheaply. The European Commission said it was still considering pricing issue and that it could fine Microsoft if it decides the software maker has acted in bad faith.
tags: HP | European | Dell | Stripped-Down Windows | Indifference |