Windows 7 is making a comeback in Hewlett-Packard Co.’s online store, but apparently not in Canada.
A report in Ars Technica notes that HP is offering five consumer PCs running Microsoft’s Windows 7 OS for sale in its web store – a Pavilion desktop and laptop, an Envy laptop and two Envy desktops. Each model has also been discounted by $150, with an online ad indicating that Windows 7 is “back by popular demand.”
With Windows 8 now Microsoft’s current OS, it’s an unusual move for a PC vendor to offer Windows 7 pre-loaded on a consumer PC. It’s more common on business SKUs, particularly on workstations, where business users may need time to plan a Windows 8 migration or may have issues with application compatibility.
While a Windows downgrade is always an option for more technically inclined users, HP is taking it a step further by shipping consumer models with the heavy lifting already done for users.
However, while there may be “popular demand” for Windows 7 in the U.S., in Canada, either the demand isn’t there or HP isn’t ready to answer it. A search of HP Canada’s web store failed to turn up any similar offers or sales for Windows 7 consumer SKUs. Models running Android, Chrome OS and Windows 8 are available.
A comment has been sought from HP Canada, and we’ll provide an update when available.