Amazon has closed the shutters on its page offering advanced orders
for Microsoft's Windows XP operating system, admitting it had
jumped the gun.
Amazon began taking orders for the operating system on Monday, and
in the process published pricing for the product, even though
Microsoft had not officially released that information. Amazon
priced Windows XP Home Edition at $199.99 (£141) for the full
version and $99 for an upgrade, while Windows XP Professional was
listed at $299.99.
"We made a mistake by taking preorders too early," Amazon
spokeswoman Ling Hong said. Amazon will offer the software again,
closer to the announcement date, when Microsoft makes final pricing
available, Hong said. "Those were preliminary prices," she
added.
Those who have already ordered Windows XP should benefit in the
long run. If Microsoft's pricing turns out to be higher than the
Amazon price, customers who have already ordered the software will
be charged the lower price, Hong said. If Microsoft's pricing is
lower, users will pay Microsoft's price, she said.
Hong declined to say how many customers would be affected.