Joe Wilcox published Vista Won't End Windows XP Availability on December 22, 2006. There are only 6 comments on the website which might lead you to think the topic is not hot. However, if you go to the Windows Vista Newsgroup, you will find a thread with 346 comments regarding opinions about Vista and Windows XP availability.
In terms of Tablet PCs, despite missing drivers, many Tableteers with access to MSDN have already migrated to Windows Vista and are already enjoying the benefits of the Tablet PC Experience on Windows Vista. In fact, Neek Talk is attempting to install Windows Vista on their UMPCs for the CES 2007 show. If teenagers interested in the OS are pushing forward then we can expect many other consumers to move forward with Windows Vista.
Windows XP Tablet PC Edition is only distributed through OEMs. Therefore, an individual cannot purchase the Tablet PC OS from a retail location. Windows Vista has the Tablet PC functions built into the OS, and Windows Vista will be available on retail shelves, making it possible for many more people to learn about the digital ink experience. Will the OEMs move to Windows Vista and abandon the Tablet PC Edition?
Most likely all of the new Tablet PCs on the market will have Windows Vista installed. Yet, there is a dark side to the Windows Vista release. What will happen to people purchasing older systems on eBay? After hearing and reading about the wonderful digital ink features in Vista, will they attempt installing Windows Vista on their old Tablet PC and be extremely disappointed? After all, according to Consumer Reports when discussing "laptops": "any type of processor will probably deliver all the speed you'll need." This may mislead people to purchasing old equipment abandoned by others and build expectations that the new OS will be supported.
We are already seeing threads with experienced people discussing the technical details of the BIOS and drivers when the Tablet PC Edition is installed over XP Pro . What types of discussions will happen when people upgrade older hardware with Windows XP Pro to Windows Vista? Will manufacturer websites provide drivers for the older hardware? Will we see angry consumers unhappy that their latest find on eBay does not support Windows Vista? Is this a marketing nightmare waiting to happen?
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What Is New in Tablet PCs and UMPCs.