Dell just announced they would resume offering Windows XP as an operating system for new computer buyers. Previously they were offering Vista only.

Apparently consumer response was less than enthusiastic.

I had some experience with this. My mother recently bought her first laptop from Dell. She didn't ask for my help in picking it out. I was surprised when the laptop arrived with Vista pre-installed. She lives far away and helping her out over the phone has been difficult, as I do not have any machines with Vista installed.

I really wish they had done this a few months ago. It's probably too late to install XP on her computer now. Too bad (for me).