Compaq Computer Corp, Dell Computer Corp and Gateway Inc said they plan to start selling PCs loaded with the new Windows XP operating-system software ahead of Microsoft Corp's Oct. 25 date for release.
Compaq, the second-biggest PC maker, will start selling machines loaded with Windows XP software in late Sept. on its Web site, said spokesman Dave Albritton. People will receive the PCs about 10 days later, he said. A Dell spokesman said the company will start taking orders as early as late Sept.
Gateway said it will also probably ship before Oct. 25.
PC makers and software companies are counting on the new version of Windows, which includes features such as digital-photography software and the ability to make calls over the Internet, to help jumpstart sales. PC sales fell last quarter from a year earlier for the first time since 1986, according to a report from market researcher Dataquest Inc.
"We're making up our own mind" on when the company will start shipping, said Dell spokesman Tom Kehoe. He said Dell hasn't set the date yet.
Microsoft Corp spokesman Matt Pilla said PC makers are focused on the Oct. 25 release date set by the largest software maker. It's possible that "a few" PCs loaded with Windows XP could go on sale before that date, he said.
"That is no different from any other Windows launch," said Pilla. Microsoft has to send the software code to PC makers ahead of the release date to give them time to install it. Microsoft hasn't changed its schedule, he said.
Gateway spokeswoman Lisa Emard said the No. 2 direct seller of PCs will start shipping when it receives the final version of software from Microsoft. Microsoft has yet to set that date, she said.
Microsoft faces scrutiny over the different features rolled into Windows XP. The company was found to have illegally protected its Windows operating system monopoly in earlier versions of the software.
Several state attorneys general have suggested they may seek changes to Windows XP. The US government doesn't plan to block the shipment of Windows XP because of concerns about hurting the computer industry, the Los Angeles Times reported today, citing unidentified government officials.
US Bancorp Piper Jaffray analyst Ashok Kumar said Microsoft could alienate the court system by appearing to permit the PC makers to ship early.
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