14 DAY TRIAL // One of the arguments used in the Mac vs. PC face-off by Windows users is related to the variety of computers from a consumer choice perspective. At the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas the past week, Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer revealed that there were in excess of 1,400 PC models available for the latest iteration of Windows 7 alone. Microsoft released Windows 7 to the public on October 22nd, 2009, less than three months ago, and notes that it is the fastest selling release of Windows to date, although no specific sale figures have been made public.
“Clearly, consumers are saying that there's never been a better time to be a Windows 7 PC. With more than 1,400 Windows 7 PC models available, it's easy to understand why the numbers are so strong. If you look at all of the amazing hardware our partners are bringing to market from All-in-One PCs to ultrathins, netbooks, notebooks, screaming gaming rigs, the range of PCs with Windows 7 is virtually limitless. There is truly a Windows 7 PC for everyone,” Ballmer stated.
During his CES 2010 keynote address Ballmer also mentioned that there were no less than 800,000 unique apps and 238,000 unique devices compatible with Windows 7. A Microsoft representative told Mary-Jo Foley that, in fact, Windows enjoyed the support of over 4,000,000 apps, but that the 800,000 was just for Windows 7, and that was not counting the number of customized business apps for the latest version of Windows.
“When it comes to PCs and devices, it’s all about choice and flexibility. There are fantastic looking, stylish, and sleek PCs for people to choose from - including 1,400 Windows 7 logo’d PCs. These PCs span a range of prices, starting at around $300 to $3,000. And more PCs are being showcased this week at CES! PCs, devices, and apps continue to get better and better thanks to our partners building great products for Windows,” stated Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team.