Great Wall and TCL Computers Ltd, respectively China’s first and second biggest computer makers, have decided not to pre-install Windows on their new PC models, underlining a growing dissatisfaction with Microsoft in the country.
The decision to sell Windows-free machines came after Microsoft had turned down a request from Great Wall which wanted to be allowed to install Windows at a reduced price which reflects the low purchasing power of the average Chinese consumer.
Government-owned Great Wall last month launched its Hurricane 499 PC model, which has matched its competitors’ specifications at the much lower price of $604. But it comes without Windows, and customers can decide whether or not they want it installed at the retail outlet.
Great Wall claims it is not in violation of its cooperation agreement with Microsoft because each purchaser is given the choice of having it installed. We never promised we would guarantee pre-installed Windows software in every computer we sell, said group sales manager Ma Li.
There is speculation in the official Chinese media that the country’s other top PC manufacturers, most of which are state-owned, will follow Great Wall’s lead in an effort to force Microsoft to adjust its high prices in China to a more reasonable level.
