XP gets further reprieve

Despite the fact that Windows 7 will, most likely, begin to ship within a few months, Microsoft has again extended the lifetime of XP. It was supposed to meet its demise at the end of January 2008, but the emergence of Netbooks and other low-end PCs, as well as perceived problems with Vista, have resulted in a continuing demand for the old operating system. In a change of heart Microsoft is now allowing custom PC builders to continue ordering XP until May 30, 2009, a four-month extension on the previous deadline of January 31. After that time, they can continue selling PCs with Windows XP only for as long as their XP stock lasts.

This extension also doesn’t apply to Netbook manufacturers as they already have a longer-lasting arrangement that applies only to XP Home Edition. These systems can ship with the older OS until June 30, 2010, or one year after Windows 7 ships, whichever comes last. Major PC manufactures such as Dell, HP, and Sony had to stop selling XP as of June 30, 2008, although most still offer a “downgrade” deal to XP at extra cost to consumers.