Windows 7 will be out in less than two months. So, I'm sure many people are holding off on buying a computer. After all, it makes sense to get the latest operating system.
You can buy a computer now and still get Windows 7. Microsoft is running a coupon program. When Windows 7 is available, you get it for free.
You will need to install Windows 7. Some people will find this intimidating.
I wouldn't buy a machine now unless you need one in a hurry. You'll avoid the hassle of installing Windows 7.
However, you might find sales now. Stores may try to clear inventory before Windows 7 debuts Oct. 22.
Manufacturers don't have to participate in the Windows 7 coupon program. They can charge you for the upgrade. However, Dell and HP are participating, at least on the machines I checked.
In the upgrade process, Windows 7 will be installed over Vista. The process isn't terribly complicated, but it is time-consuming. It recently took me 2½ hours to upgrade a machine to Windows 7. And I had to uninstall some software.
Your data should be okay during the upgrade. But any time you install an operating system, you take a risk. Something could go wrong. You could lose everything on the machine.
Of course, you back up your data regularly, right? So, you don't really need to worry about your data. However, it is never fun when you encounter problems with a computer.