Vista delayed again, will it affect PC sales?

Microsoft has delayed in shipping its Windows Vista operating system again from November 2006 to January 2007. It's due to some security issues. Let's assume Microsoft doesn't want to release it until it's perfect.

Will the delay affect PC sales? I think it will affect some non-urgent users. Those consumers will certainly delay PC purchases until Vista is available. But for consumers who need a PC now, please do not wait. Windows XP SP2 is already good and secure enough to do everything. You can find huge selection of Windows XP computers here.

IDC believe that Vista delay won't affect PC sales. It will only shift moderate volume from the fourth quarter of 2006 into 2007 and will not cause a loss of sales, IDC says. The Vista delay probably will, however, drive up marketing cost for Microsoft and for PC makers this year, as they try to attract consumers and adjust to the new schedule.

In another trend, desktops are losing ground to laptops in the United States, IDC says. Consumers are increasing opting for notebooks, attracted by lower prices, wider screens and improved battery life. Check out newly released notebook PCs here.