Credit Suisse analysts reported that desktop and laptop PC sales were up in July and August, in advance of the expected increase in sales when Windows 7 launches. Normally consumers like to tie their purchases in with the launch of a new OS as they dont’ want to pay for an upgrade or do an upgrade themselves. However, the marketing of free Windows 7 upgrades once it launches on October 22nd seem to be working, with users getting their chequebooks out now.
This is a great sign that consumer confidence seems to be returning after six months of PC shipment falls, and Windows 7 will give the market a much needed boost. Microsoft will be starting the expected marketing blitz for Windows 7 soon, but I believe that the great reviews and trusted recommendations will sell significant boxes alone. For instance, yesterday I put a Windows 7 build onto a friend’s netbook that was previously struggling with Windows XP, and they couldn’t believe the difference in speed and they intend to upgrade to full versions of Windows 7 when available. I think this will be the main way that Windows 7 will sell, with early adopters evangelising the product with their friends and colleagues.
More: PC World
