PC prices plummet

PC PRICES have dropped as suppliers try to offload their pre-Vista inventories.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Christmas season will look a bit like a going out of business sale.

With Vista delayed until after Christmas, PC makers are scratching their heads in a bid to get punters to buy, when they know that Vista is just around the corner.

Research outfit Current Analysis is estimating that 70 per cent of notebook PCs sold this holiday season will be priced at less than $1,000. In 2004 38 per cent of notebook PCs were flogged at less than $1,000. Sony is predicting "price degradation" to peak over the Christmas break.

HP told the Journal, the company plans to stay "price-competitive" during the holiday season. Still it is good news if you want a good deal and can live with XP or Linux. The prices will probably rocket when Vista actually ships.

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