Windows XP Gets 2-Year Extension, Sort Of

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Well this is just lovely news for everyone out there who would rather poke their eyes out than use Windows Vista: Microsoft has extended sales of XP by two years. Sounds great, doesn't it? Sure, but it's still not available for everyone.

Today Microsoft announced the worldwide extension of the availability of Windows XP Home for an emerging, new class of mobile personal computers commonly known as ultra-low-cost PCs, or ULCPCs. Windows XP Home for ULCPCs will be available until the later of June 30, 2010, or one year after general availability of the next version of Windows.

The problem is, Microsoft is up to its usual tricks making it infinitely complicated to understand who can still get Vista:

ULCPCs are a new and growing class of mobile computers designed for first-time PC buyers and customers interested in complementing their primary Windows-based PCs with companion devices with limited hardware capabilities. These machines vary, but they typically have smaller screen sizes and lower-powered processors than more expensive mobile PCs. While originally intended for students and other first-time PC customers in emerging markets, we’re now seeing interest in these affordable devices in developed countries as well.

One thing we’ve heard loud and clear, from both our customers and our partners, is the desire for Windows on this new class of devices. We are enthusiastic about this category because it enables us to bring the benefits of Windows to more customers.

To sum up this gigantic press release: the extension applies to specialized low-end PCs, not common consumer models. So if you're in the market for a piece of junk computer that runs slower than a tortoise with its legs tied, you can still get Windows XP.

Hurray.