Although notebook makers noted that news concerning a Vista launch delay would not affect sales this quarter, Microsoft’s Vista free upgrade coupon, due to be available in October, will drive more consumers to purchase a PC in the fourth quarter and PC makers expect the hot season effect to last through the first quarter of 2007.

Vista Capable PC systems will allow for a free upgrade to Vista Premium, as long as the system is equipped with MCE (Media Center Edition), the PC makers indicated, while adding that XP Home OS-equipped PC users will have to pay 50% of the Vista Premium prices, with the upgrade to Vista Basic costing less than $100.

More here at DigiTimes.