I've been contemplating the purchase of a new laptop for several months already, but can't bring myself to do it.

Prices are much lower than when I bought the one I used now. They are also faster, with more resources and bigger and better screens (I prefer the "desktop replacements, especially now that I've got a wheeled laptop bag...). So what could possibly be stopping me?

Windows Vista.

Then there’s Mike, who buys a laptop that has a reassuring “Windows Vista Capable” logo affixed. He thinks that he will be able to run Vista in all of its glory, as well as favorite Microsoft programs like Movie Maker. His report: “I personally got burned.” His new laptop — logo or no logo — lacks the necessary graphics chip and can run neither his favorite video-editing software nor anything but a hobbled version of Vista. “I now have a $2,100 e-mail machine,” he says.

It turns out that Mike is clearly not a naïf. He’s Mike Nash, a Microsoft vice president who oversees Windows product management. And Jon, who is dismayed to learn that the drivers he needs don’t exist? That’s Jon A. Shirley, a Microsoft board member and former president and chief operating officer. And Steven, who reports that missing drivers are anything but exceptional, is in a good position to know: he’s Steven Sinofsky, the company’s senior vice president responsible for Windows.

In shopping around, I note that I can only buy machines with Vista Home version, which lacks the security of Pro and makes it unacceptable for my needs. Apparently there is a reason for that--the machines can't handle Vista Pro.

Which brings me to the question of whether I actually need a new laptop if I've got to install XP on it. Why not just keep what I have?

The magnitude of the problem for the computer and software industry is mind-boggling, if my reaction is typical--no machines sold, no operating systems, no upgrades of the dozens of commonly installed programs--billions lost in opportunity cost. Institutions are refusing to upgrade as well. My wife recently spoke with an IT guy at the university and asked when they would be upgrading--not for the foreseeable future.

Today I bought an upgraded processor and more RAM for my existing machine. Better luck next time Bill.