Microsoft offers users $100 toward Windows 8 devices with XP trade-in offer

[anuseems]

Summary: As the end of Windows XP support on April 8 approaches, Microsoft is making available a new trade-in offer for those willing to switch their XP machines for Windows 8.1 ones.

Microsoft is offering Windows XP users $100 toward their purchase of a Surface Pro 2 or other select Windows 8.1 PCs worth more than $599.

The offer runs from March 20, 2014 until June 15, 2014, or "while supplies last," according to the offer page on Microsoft's online site. The offer is available in select Microsoft retail and online stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada. ARM-based Surface 2s are not included among the machines that qualify. There's a one device limit, and the $100 credit isn't available on prior orders or purchases.

Those who take advantage of the offer also get 90 days of free support for their new Windows 8 devices from Microsoft. Microsoft is also touting availability of the free Laplink data-transfer service, allowing users to move their files, photos, music and settings to new PCs, as part of the package.

Update: Here's how this trade-in works, according to a company spokesperson:

"This is a special promotion for current XP users. Customers going to MicrosoftStore.com from a machine running Windows XP will see the deal pop up automatically.

"People can also bring in their old XP device to one of the more than 80 Microsoft retail store locations and instantly save $100 on the purchase of a qualifying PC priced at $599 or above."

Microsoft is ending its support for Windows XP on April 8, 2014. After that time, Microsoft will no longer provide any patches or fixes to Windows XP users -- other than those Premier Support customers who pay a hefty fee for custom patches.

I'm not optimistic that this offer will win over many XP holdouts. Some of the folks still using XP are self-acknowledged cheapskates, but others are still using XP because of corporate policies, incompatible software and peripherals and other reasons. But I guess it's worth a try....

http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-offers-users-100-toward-windows-8-devices-with-xp-trade-in-offer-7000027582/

Edited March 22, 2014 by anuseems

[banned]

"I'm not optimistic that this offer will win over many XP holdouts."

It's certainly not winning me over. Does Microsoft really think XP users want a Windows 8 PC? Man, they're dumber than they look.

I liked Dvorak's idea. Micro$oft should just charge everyone $1 a month for extended XP support (patches), and make millions. Now that's something I'd pay for. Essentially all Microsoft would need to do is spend a couple of minutes back-porting and testing Windows 7/8 patches on XP (since nearly all bugs affect the entire range of Windows).

Edited March 22, 2014 by banned

[davendranath]

In case of XP I would like to say that "old is gold" but in the changing scenario one has to accept the latest .I remember in olden times when there was no electricity my grandma has a big fan fixed at the ceiling and a long rope to run. After the electricity coming it was removed and ceiling fan was introduced.MY grandma apposed the same with a lot of excuses and lastly accepted the change. There are drastic changes coming in the entire world and none would like to stick to the old technology. I also remember an old saying "Survival of the fittest " I therefore make a sincere appeal to one and all to upgrade their PC to windows 7 or windows 8 which is indeed the need of the hour

[MidnightDistortions]

Then again there must have been something good about a hand cranking fan to not want to give it up for an electric one. I for one don't understand why one would give up free fruits or vegetables in the back yard for store bought ones. You would rather spend money on food that was probably handled by someone who coughed over it then to keep a garden full of it in the back yard? Hmmm.. newer isn't always better. W8 hasn't won me over, and changes are coming.. i am upgrading to Linux.