First Windows 8 PCs go on sale online, sell out
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A major retailer has thrown its own Windows 8 launch party well ahead of Microsoft’s plans – and the Windows giant is none too pleased.
The Home Shopping Network launched a website over the weekend detailing five new machines from Gateway and Acer all featuring the brand new operating system, which is as yet unavailable at retail.
Windows 8 is a radical rethinking of the software powering the PC, which adds a colorful, touch-sensitive interface. Microsoft’s official launch party for the new operating system is October 26. A spokesman told FoxNews.com the company has asked HSN to remove the web pages.
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“HSN made this offer without the support or authorization of Microsoft. Once Microsoft learned of the HSN promotion, we contacted them and asked that HSN discontinue the on-air and online offer,” he said.
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HSN has clearly refused.
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The webpage lists both all-in-one desktop models, laptops, and even a touchscreen model at prices ranging from $699 to $1,199. They have all sold out, according to ZDNet’s Ed Bott, who first noted the page over the weekend. The systems are clearly designed specifically for Windows 8; some feature the new Windows logo, or even dedicated Windows keys with the new logo.
Bott also complained that the devices were littered with trial versions of software, a long-running issue in PC industry deemed "bloatware" or even "crapware."
"It’s a shame to see all of that junk show up alongside Windows 8," Bott said, zeroing in on a trial version of Office 2010 installed on several models. Microsoft had earlier promised that most new PCs will skip that software.
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"I guess no one at Gateway or Acer got the memo," he said.
Acer’s vice president Scott Ledterman voiced support for the new operating system – and the official, Oct. 26 launch date.
“We are excited to support Windows 8 with great Acer and Gateway offerings starting on October 26, but this HSN offer came prematurely and we’ve requested its immediate removal,” he said in a statement.
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Microsoft vice president Peter Han reiterated that the launch date had not yet arrived.
“We are looking forward to Windows 8 General Availability on October 26, when customers can take delivery of Windows 8 PCs at retail for the first time,” he said.