XP is doomed: Get cracking on PC purchase plans

With June now officially upon us and
the financial year almost over, if you’ve been thinking of purchasing
a PC, now is a sensible time. If it’s a business machine, you’ll be
able to deduct at least some of the cost in this financial year –
and with sub-$1,000 machines now common, you might be able to do it
in a lump rather than over four years (check with your accountant).

An even more pressing reason to buy now
is that manufacturers are officially supposed to stop selling any
machines (apart from certain ultra-portables) with XP on them after
June 30. If you want a PC that actually has a useful Windows
operating system, not the pig-with-lipstick experience of Vista, then
you’d best order soon. While there’ll be downgrade rights options
after that date — meaning you can purchase a Vista Business machine
and ask for XP to be installed instead — who needs the extra hassle?
(We note in passing that July 1 will also see tax rates increase on
cars costing more than $57,123; go crazy, motoring freaks!)