Windows Vista Product Editions (SKUs) Revealed

[Voidness]

I don't know how lame Microsoft can be, but check this out:

There will be two general categories of Windows Vista editions, which map closely to the two that exist today for XP ("Home," which comprises Starter, Home, and Media Center Editions, Pro, which includes Professional, Professional x64, and Tablet PC Editions). In Windows Vista, the two categories are Home and Business. In the Home category, Microsoft will create four product editions: Windows Vista Starter Edition, Windows Vista Home Basic Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, and Windows Vista Ultimate Edition (previously known as "Uber" Edition). In the Business category, there will are three editions: Windows Vista Small Business Edition, Windows Vista Professional Edition, and Windows Vista Enterprise Edition. In all, there are 7 product editions planned for Windows Vista

7 Editions? Ultimate Edition? What were they thinking?

Link: http://www.windowsitpro.com/Article/ArticleID/47665/47665.html?Ad=1

 

[Daveway]

= Ultimate confusion with consumers.

 

[mad jew]

Equals more Mac users?

 

[yenko]

WTF...George running Microsoft now??

More FUD !!

 

[Abstract]

Why can't one edition do everything well?

No wait, why can't one edition do anything well?

 

[MacFan25863]

Ontop of that, each will have both a 32 and 64 bit edition, raising the total number of editions to 14

 

[Voidness]

Ontop of that, each will have both a 32 and 64 bit edition, raising the total number of editions to 14

Except for the "Starter Edition". It only comes in 32-bit edition. It's practically useless:

Windows Vista Starter Edition: Aimed at beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. As with the XP version, Windows Vista Starter Edition is a subset of Home Edition, and will ship in a 32-bit version only (no 64-bit x64 version). Starter Edition will allow only three applications (and/or three windows) to run simultaneously, will provide Internet connectivity but not incoming network communications, and will not provide for logon passwords or Fast User Switching (FUS). Windows Vista Starter Edition is analogous to XP Starter Edition. This version will only be sold in emerging markets.

Seriously, what is this? So this implies that people in africa or india are not allowed to share the computer (hence the "not provide for logon passwords or Fast User Switching") or open more than 3 websites at a time ("Starter Edition will allow only three applications (and/or three windows) to run simultaneously", what about spyware and popups? ). Microsoft is being very kind to the emerging market.

 

[iAlan]

Microsoft is being very kind to the emerging market.

The following is not a justification for M$ confusing and maybe questionable practice but an idea as to why...

I think the reason for a slimmed down and cheaper version in emerging markets is that the 'full' version is too expensive for your average user so pirated versions are popular due to their lower cost. IF M$ discount the full version in emerging markets the products may find their way to other markets at a cheaper price.

I think this is true, but the slimmed down version is crap so users will still opt for he pirated full version - M$ have made no attempt to manage the pirate software isses, they have only decided that people will pay less for a non-pirated version if it were available - and this is assuming a lot. The offering is not attractive so for the same price (or cheaper) a pirated version offers full functionality.

I liken it to illegal downloads - just because iTMS and othr music services are available doesn't mean everyone will buy rather than download without paying from a 'friend' halfway around the world!

 

[4409723]

Repost...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/148568/

 

[Platform]

Welcome to consufion land, for the consumers and makers