HP Mini 2140 eligible for FREE upgrade to Windows 7
HP just announced a Windows 7 Upgrade Kit for select computers, FOR FREE! Before you get too excited – the HP Mini 2140 is the only netbook is eligible for the free upgrade, and there’s a bunch of restrictions a la good ol’ Microsoft.
For instance, the upgrade kit is not an option for you if you have Windows Vista Home Basic, the Vista starter edition of any editions of XP (unless you got it after a custom downgrade by HP).
HP’s doing a really good job of making the terms very clear. They’re obviously anticipating a lot of orders – and they should. Windows 7 has had raving reviews and apparently fixed everything Vista did wrong. If I owned a Mini 2140, I’d be jumping with joy!
If you don’t have the Mini 2140 or any netbook, but were thinking of holding out on one until October 22nd (4 long months from now) just for Windows 7, this upgrade is really a boon for you! Get the Mini 2140 now and get the upgrade. You have to give HP & Microsoft kudos for looking out for you. ($400 at Amazon, read our review)
If you don’t have an HP device, you can pre-order the Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade from Amazon. Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade is available at $220, Windows 7 Professional Upgrade at $100 and Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade at $50.
Here’s everything you need to know for the HP Upgrade:
Eligibility Requirements
- The netbook must have been purchased between June 26 2009 and January 31 2010.
- Your netbook must run on the following:
- HP factory installed Vista
- Vista Home Premium (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Vista Business (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Vista Ultimate (32-bit and 64-bit)
- HP custom downgrade from Vista Business or Ultimate to XP Pro*The version of Windows 7 you receive depends on which of the above you have. For a detailed list, go to the HP Windows 7 Upgrade Kit page.
- Your HP device must be eligible. The HP Mini 2140 is the only netbook currently on the list. If you’re looking to luck out on other HP products you own, check to see if they’re eligible.
Things to Keep in Mind
- You can order the kit between now and February 15, 2010.
- Availability depends on country.
- While the kit itself is free, you may have to pay shipping & handling charges and taxes.
- You’ll need a DVD player to install Windows 7 (unless HP makes it available as a download, or Microsoft makes it available through a USB drive)
- All features of Windows 7 may not work as smoothly on your netbook.
- You may need to upgrade your memory/space to make room for the new OS (requires a whopping 16-20GB!!)
- For system requirements, refer to the FAQ section of the site (make sure you have the right country settings).
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Filed under: HP Mini Note, Windows 7 Netbook
While the HP Mini 2140 originally made the list of eligible models for free upgrade, it has since been removed just two weeks ago, apparently just before I tried to order my upgrade kit.
That’s too bad
We’re sorry to hear that, but thanks for the head’s up.