Microsoft Earned $1.5B from Vista Capable PCs, Claims Expert

According to a court document, an expert estimates that Microsoft earned more than $1.5 billion through the sales of PCs labeled as "Vista Capable" when they allowed some PC makers to label XP-running PCs as "Vista Capable" prior to the release of the Windows Vista operating system in early 2007. (Source: nwsource.com)

Last February we reported that a "Vista Capable" lawsuit was granted class-action status because some PCs labeled as "Vista Capable" were only capable of running the most basic version of the operating system. (Source: infopackets.com)

Despite claims that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer had no direct input into the Vista Capable scheme,  he was ordered to testify in the case late last year.

Several Microsoft emails were presented to the court last November that suggested Microsoft had lowered the Vista Capable requirements at Intel's request, noting that the decision to omit Intel's 915 chipset could cost them billions of dollars. (Source: pcpro.co.uk)

Microsoft executives were split about the accuracy of its "Vista Capable" claims. Needless to say, Windows Vista has created some embarrassing problems for Microsoft, including this ongoing lawsuit.

Visit Bill's Links and More for more great tips, just like this one!

Stay Informed: Subscribe Free to Infopackets, Today! Get your daily fix of Microsoft Windows news, reviews, tech tips, plus free software (freeware) goodies daily -- all absolutely free -- delivered straight to your email inbox! Bonus: join our website today and you'll also receive our highly coveted Top 10 Tech Reports, including: Top 10 PC Security Essentials, Windows Optimization Secrets, Top Freeware Antivirus, MS Office alternatives and more. Don't delay: subscribe today! Click here for more info.

Infopackets Game of the Week

Secrets of the Dark: Eclipse Mountain Collector's Edition

Click here to read more.