Small PC makers throw support behind Windows 7

PC World | at | by Mike

Some small PC makers are paying a price for Windows 7 upgrades, but they have given a vote of confidence to the OS as it could deliver more profits by attracting buyers to purchase new systems.

Microsoft last week announced it would offer free upgrades to Windows 7 for customers who buy new PCs pre-installed with Windows Vista through qualifying partners. Most PC makers are now offering free upgrades to Windows 7 when the OS becomes generally available on Oct. 22.But in the free upgrades for customers, some small PC makers are being saddled with upgrade costs of between US$20 and $30.