Dell Computer is launching a prebuilt PC for $599 in hopes of nabbing computer buyers who traditionally opt to shop at retail stores. Dell, which sells computers directly to consumers and is known for its build-to-order strategy, plans to announce the SmartStep 100D on Monday. But the company started selling the 1GHz machine from its Web site on Friday. "This is really an opportunity...for people who've wanted to own a Dell to get in and try out a system that is preconfigured for them," Dell spokesman Bob Kaufman said Friday. "There are many people who may not feel as comfortable building their own systems."
Software giant Microsoft Corp. launched the latest version of its flagship Windows software on Thursday, reeling in the chief executives of top computer companies to kick off a $250 million marketing campaign in the heart of New York. To a backdrop of a gospel choir singing "America the Beautiful," Bill Gates, Microsoft's co-founder and Chief Software Architect took center stage alongside New York's Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The CEOs of Intel Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. , Dell Computer Corp., and Compaq Computer Corp. looked on from the wings.
Microsoft Corp. provided specifics of its plans to extend .NET to the Pocket PC and other smart mobile devices, including PDAs and cell phones, during the Microsoft Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week. A "compact" version of the soon-to-be released .NET Framework was introduced at the show, which hosted nearly 7,000 developers at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The solution is designed to allow Visual Studio .NET developers to easily configure applications for access via smart devices.
As Microsoft takes the wrapper off its new desktop operating system and plunges into its .Net initiative, the software giant faces renewed battles deep within conquered territory: Web browsers. Signs of the challenge came just days before the launch of Windows XP, when Yahoo released an upgrade to its service that effectively hijacks Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser. Called "Yahoo Essentials," the add-on exploits little-known customization features in IE and the Windows operating system. It takes over searches in the browser address bar, switches the default e-mail client to Yahoo Mail, embeds its instant messenger within the IE window, adds a Yahoo toolbar below the standard IE menu, places a shortcut to Yahoo Mail on the PC desktop and offers to set the home page to Yahoo.com.
Microsoft expects annual sales growth of 30 to 40 percent in the fast-growing market of Central and Eastern Europe in 2002, the U.S. software giant's regional chief said Friday. "We think the growth will be between 30 to 40 percent and will come from the new products like Office XP and Windows XP, from the PC shipment growth and from fighting software piracy," said Jan Muhlfeit, Microsoft Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe. Microsoft sales in the region rose 69 percent in the fiscal first quarter ended Sept. 30, a sharp rise from a growth of 12 to 15 percent in the same period last year, Muhlfeit said in an interview.
Video: WinXP Launch
WinInsider
Windows XP Launch Event Keynote webcase
C|Net Videos:
Dell Computer Chief Executive Michael Dell on Thursday said he expects consumer demand for personal computers to drive the company's sales higher in its fiscal fourth quarter. "We expect to increase our sales in the fourth quarter, and it's driven again, once again, by the consumer first,'' Dell said during a CEO roundtable at the launch of Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. Dell reaffirmed on Oct. 4 that it expects revenues of $7.2 billion to $7.6 billion for the third quarter ended Nov. 2 and earnings of 15 cents to 16 cents per share.
Windows XP Launch
Microsoft
For those of you that cannot make it to an event in your area, theres plenty going on on the web too with the XP Launch! Microsoft representatives will be at hundreds of stores across the U.S. to show off Windows XP. Stop by and see the new Windows in action. See and hear what Bill Gates has to say about Windows XP at the launch event in New York City on October 25, 10:30 A.M. Eastern Time (7:30 A.M. Pacific Time). Bill Gates Launch Keynote Webcast Celebrate the worldwide launch of Windows XP with MSN Music and Intel as we present an exclusive live concert featuring Sting from historic Bryant Park in New York City. Join fans from around the world for this Webcast at 1:00 P.M Eastern Time (10:00 A.M. Pacific Time). Live Sting Concert on MSN
The Ultimate Companion for Windows XP, Microsoft Plus! Includes Digital Media Tools, Games and Visual Enhancements for New Operating System.
Microsoft Corp. today announced the immediate availability of Microsoft Plus! for the Windows XP operating system. The ultimate companion for Windows XP, Microsoft Plus! is new software that enhances the Windows XP experience with powerful digital media tools, new games and stunning desktop themes, including 3-D screen savers. Microsoft Plus! is available nationwide now in stores where Windows XP is sold and from online retailers. Microsoft Plus! also is available internationally in six languages.
Windows XP Is Here!
MS Press
Bill Gates Joins Industry Leaders and Partners in New York To Launch Microsoft's Best Operating System Ever in Time for Holiday Season.
Today Microsoft Corp. announced the worldwide availability of Windows XP with a celebration in the business capital of the world: New York City. Customers are now able to acquire the new Microsoft Windows XP operating system on new personal computers and in retail stores throughout the world. Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates presented the keynote address at the most important product launch in Microsoft's history, accompanied by leaders from the PC industry, more than 50 Microsoft partners, a special welcome by New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and an appearance by television's Regis Philbin at the event in Times Square's Marriott Marquis Theatre.