Windows 7 launches to small lines
updated 11:10 am EDT, Thu October 22, 2009
Windows 7 sees small queues in Japan
Microsoft today saw a relatively muted reaction to the debut of Windows 7 with limited lineups. No reports have surfaced of significant lineups in Western countries, but in Japan the company saw relatively limited queues at Yodobashi Camera and other major retail locations. The lineups were partly spurred by contests; those who bought early were given shirts as well as entries to win travel tickets, Disneyland passes and gift cards.
Unlike previous launches, however, the low turnout is partly deliberate as Microsoft has made Windows 7 more widely accessible in advance of its release; it made free public betas available as early as February and has encouraged early access for the most eager users through free Windows 7 Ultimate copies in house party packs. The company has acknowledged that it still expects the vast majority of upgrades to come from purchases of new PCs rather than separate upgrades.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer has said he only expects a slight improvement in PC sales due to Windows 7, as most will only upgrade as part of their usual replacement cycles instead of buying early or holding off until today's OS update. [Japan info via Impress]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2008
It's already been available on-line hasn't it?
I thought people had been downloading that Win7 RC version that was upgradeable to the real deal. I'm sure all the diehard Windows 7 fans would have grabbed that instead of waiting.
I do agree that most Windows 7 will be via OEM. It's time for people to start upgrading their hardware and will save themselves the trouble of a Windows 7 install. Windows computers are dirt cheap so it really does make sense to get a nice, fresh package. Can't go wrong there.