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Free Windows 7 upgrade may not reach $298 laptop buyers

24.07.2009
Wal-Mart will start selling a fully loaded laptop from Hewlett-Packard for a breakthrough price of US$298 on July 26, but it may have a caveat: The Windows Vista OS included with the machine may not qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7.

The laptop -- a Compaq Presario CQ60-419WM -- has attracted attention because of its low promotional price and generous features, which include a large screen, fast processor and Windows Vista Home Basic OS.

But according to HP's documents, users will not be able to upgrade the Vista Home Basic OS to Microsoft's Windows 7. Vista has been panned for being sluggish and resource-hungry, while Windows 7, due for release on Oct. 22, has been praised by beta testers as faster and more resource-friendly.

HP (PDF document) from Vista Home Basic to Windows 7, according to HP's Windows 7 upgrade option program. Only PCs with Vista Home Premium, Vista Business or Vista Ultimate qualify for the upgrade.

Microsoft has an upgrade path from Vista Home Basic to multiple versions of Windows 7, but HP isn't offering those options. That means customers who want Windows 7 might have to buy a version of Windows 7, priced starting at $120, off the shelves.

HP did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Wal-Mart did not immediately comment on whether it had plans in place to provide free Windows 7 upgrades.