HP's Vista Express Upgrade Program Details

HP introduced the Vista upgrade program today, here's the full detail from HP's website....

Windows Vista is the new Microsoft® operating system coming in early 2007. Its simplified navigation makes it dramatically easier to instantly find any file, application or email on your PC. Plus, it lets you handle your files in a totally new, intuitive way, and gives you a seamless connection to your portable music and other entertainment devices.
There are several editions of Windows Vista. We are pleased to offer a FREE HP Express Upgrade for your new HP Pavilion or Compaq Presario PC. Most of our customizable desktops are Windows Vista Capable, and can be configured for Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Business. See www.hpshopping.com for details about requirements for Windows Vista for your specific desktop series.


* Premium Ready PC strongly recommended

Note: If you are planning to upgrade a Windows Vista Capable Media Center PC that does not display the Windows Vista Premium Ready designation, your system may require additional hardware to run premium features offered with some Windows Vista versions. However, please note that all Windows Vista Capable PCs can run the core functionalities of Windows Vista when properly installed. Please visit www.windowsvista.com/getready for details.

Take advantage of this limited-time FREE upgrade offer from HP today. Once you’ve configured your new PC, sign up at www.hp.com/go/windowsvistaupgrade and we’ll ship your FREE upgrade when the system is introduced.

This Upgrade Promotion is available to HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario Desktop and Notebook PC customers who purchase eligible new and refurbished Windows Vista Capable PCs between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007. All orders must be placed by March 31, 2007.

Price, terms and conditions may vary. Limited-time offer. Proof of purchase required. Information subject to change without notice.

 

I like free.

 

Very disappointed that the upgrade program does not offer vista ultimate. Maybe switch from HP to others.

 

No other retailer is going to offer Ultimate. This is Microsoft's call, not HP or Dell or Sony or...anyone. Once the retailers are in for the program, they can only offer what Microsoft allows.

 

How big a difference is Vista Home Premium from Ultimate? If not much, maybe I can live with the Home Premium Edition.

 

Can you give us the specific URL where you got the info from, since on Microsoft website, XP Home is excluded, only MCE and Pro (plus Tablet version) are included. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/expressupgrade.mspx

 

Thanks for the info

 

See below.
http://h20219.www2.hp.com/services/cache/424812-0-0-225-121.html

You can see the table when you click on the link in the customization page.

 

I ordered my nc8430 on Oct 24 from CostCentral, 2 days before the cutoff. From that site it seems like they ask for a proof of purchase such as a receipt. Think it would be possible for me to alter my receipt to say Oct 26 and send it in to them? Think they'd know the difference?

 

Ultimate is not much different from premium, on the vista website, it only shows about 3 business security features that are different

 

Premium has the following features. Basic only includes the first 2 features =/
Most secure Windows ever with Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
Quickly find what you need with Instant Search and Windows Internet Explorer
Elegant Windows Aero desktop experience with Windows Flip 3D navigation
Best choice for laptops with enhanced Windows Mobility Center and Tablet PC support
Collaborate and share documents with Windows Meeting Space
Experience photos and entertainment in your living room with Windows Media Center
Enjoy Windows Media Center on TVs throughout your home with Xbox 360 and other devices
--------------------------------------------------------------

Ultimate has three extra features in addition to those above
Protect against hardware failure with advanced business backup features
Business Networking and Remote Desktop for easier connectivity
Better protect your data against loss or theft with Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption

 

Don't care about any of those.

 

Thanks you. Got it. Bookmarked it.

 

what about prior to 10/26/06? that's weird, i dont get it, it's like saying "Thanks for buying our products before October 26th, but we don't care that your machine is Vista Ready."

 

Well, think about it for a moment. What if there were no upgrade offer at all and it was the day after HP started shipping notebooks with the new OS. Would you still feel that way? I mean what's the difference? They have to draw the line someday.

I guess you could always just return and re-order. At least you do have that option. Barring that, just buy Vista when it comes out.

 

I just received an email from an HP rep saying that if you bought your computer within 21 days of the 26th you are eligable. He offered me $150 to my HP account which covers the cost of Vista Premium.

 

Really?? I was sung a completely different song and was lead to believe I needed to return my notebook to be able to get the upgrade to vista. I wasn't that happy with my screen either, so I guess it wasn't the only reason. Oh well...

 

Well maybe it has to do with the fact that i signed up for the HP credit card?

 

Maybe...

 

^ yea, i called HP and they said i could get the upgrade, i got my notebook on october 9th, so i gotta send it back in to get another one with the vista upgrade.

 

Man that sucks, I got my computer about 1 or 2 weeks ago, and now I can't do this. Oh well, I think Ill be sticking with XP for a while, or at least until I have the money to pony up 200 big-ones for a new OS. A little to much trouble if you ask me. Now if HP already had drivers and everything needed for the computer to operate properly, just as it came from the factory everything working, then I would get on the phone in a jiffy and try getting my vista fix.

 

When will the registration start for windows vista.

Also i purchased my notebook on 21st in India. Can you tell me the procedure on how to return back the notebook and get a new one in India. Also the India's HP Windows Vista website doesnot tell any starting date like 26th October, but mentions the ending date 15th March, 2007.

 

The express program is a Microsoft sponsered initiative, so the offers should begin on the same date ie. Oct 26. I dont know about HP India's policies whether they allow returns or not contact the service center in your country and check out what they have to say.

 

According to HP, the Vista upgrade "kit" will contain 2 disks, one with the Vista OS itself based on which one you qualify for, and a 2nd disk with new Vista-compatible drivers for all of the OEM components offered by HP in CTO. Because of hearing that my notebook is in the mail.

 

Thanks for quick reply. I would also like to know when the registration starts.

 

Mid-November, in the US at least..

 

Does the upgrade includes those purchased outside of US and Canada?

 

does the upgrade includes those purchased outside of Canada and US?

 

Don't know about other countries, but here in Switzerland, it's the same policy as in the US. Valid from Oct 26 to March 15 and once Vista is released, HP is sending the Vista CD for a nominal fee for shipping.
So HP may have the same policy in other countries.
Steve