Microsoft sending free computers to bloggers?

Vista - We can't even sell this crap anymore!

I'll take one.

Is it OK if I reformat and install Linux?

Nothing new. For many months now, Sun has been giving free machines to people who want to review and blog about it.

Macbeach: Virtual PC it baby! Hey, if I can run Vista on my Macintosh, I guess you can run Linux on your Ferrari.

Then stop linking to Engadget, Robert!, because Ryan and Peter from Engadget were getting freebies = your idea of PayPerPost = from Microsoft and from others too. Shouldn't you treat all equally?

Comic: Ryan says that Engadget and its writers do not keep free gifts. I took a tour of Ryan's house and he didn't have many things lying around.

Ok.
Where Have I to put my order?
I need a small 12" notebook for toilet that's a place I blog marvellously.
I need a Xeon 4 Gb RAM powered to blog deeply and strongly in my lounge room.
And a 17" widescreen Pavilion Ultra Super XGA for bedroom use. My romantic blogs are the better there.

Ok Santa? ....ehm... Bill?

I wait at the window.... ehm.... windows

Stefania

Google must match up with awarding PageRank 10 to top bloggers.

So where's the signup list for this? ;-)

Then again, I'm still waiting 'free usb drive':
http://www.microsoft.com//windowsxp/mysterysolv...

Really cool though.

How will Google outdo? Laptop/Desktop Combo?

i think its pretty gutsy actually. i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don't think apple gave out ipods to celebs? come on.

AFAIK, AMD is the one that provided the laptops to websites that are members of the Windows Featured Communities program, as well as several other Microsoft influentials. I think it was more of an AMD ploy to get dual core x64s into the hands of influentials then it was trying to get people to buy into Vista. Most of these people were relatively Microsoft-friendly to begin with.

BTW, AMD said that the computers could be kept or given away. Most were kept.

And to anyone that thinks it's unfair, Microsoft gives away free crap to people who help them all the time. It's called the MVP program.

>i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don’t think apple gave out ipods to celebs?

Celebs? Most of the people associated with this giveaway are pretty low-level bloggers (C list bloggers). I run a laughably unpopular blog, yet mine ranks higher than almost every name associated with this giveaway.

Robert, this "they do not keep gifts" is a lie because they give these free gifts away to readers what boosts their readership, so if these free gifts are not a personal bribe, they are a bribe to the website! Don't you see it?

Comic: I see that as OK. For one it didn't benefit directly the folks working there and for two, they disclosed it. On my video no less.

Mmmm. There is a major difference between giving away a product for review, giving (small) gifts as tokens of appreciation or means of promotion, and giving away an expensive product worth many times the price of the product you are promoting.

Depending on the relationship between the giver and the receiver, the latter is usually referred to as either payment or a bribe...

OMG: A frikkin' Acer Ferrari notebook with Vista Ultimate?
Lucky bastard!!

What's strange is that the Acer Ferrari 1000 that Edelman sent to Laughing Squid has a below-Windows Vista Premium Windows Experience Index: 2.8. Some folks are reported to have gotten Ferrari 5000s.

See http://oakleafblog.blogspot.com/2006/12/microso...

--rj

If MS/Acer/whoever wants to send me one, I will gladly give it a fair, accurate, and unbiased review.

For real. Try me.

Hope I get one!

well where do I sign up for one of these babies?

Robert, and what about company giving free hotel and free travel and free invitation to event - isn't it bribery too? BTW: your pal Edwards has ZERO CHANCES because Hilary Clinton will be next candidate of Democrats for president of USA. Your efforts to promote Edwards are therefore in vein.

Scoble, make your "V for Vendetta" and send me the laptop if you receive it.. i will install a Gentoo.. it's a scout promise!

The only thing I ever got from Microsoft was the crasking of my computer when they brought about winxp sp2.I had to reinstall and do everything over from scratch. Good thing I did weekly backups. I think I deserve a free microsoft vista computer for my troubles

Get the machine,format and install BSD. what say ?

I haven't got one, so obviously they're not reaching their target audience: people interested in free computers. I totally own that thoughtspace!

Hot damn, sign me up for my free comp!

gimme one too!

I want one.
Hey its free...

great,

we need one computer. I'am sure that I can make good things.

I won't uninstall and promise to use Vista if they give me one... :D

I take one, please deliver on ... Nice!

Ho I can Get a Free Computer?
Is there any Link ??

LOL

I don't care what kind of computer it is. If it's free I'll take it.

Once you accept a gift like this (and if you don’t have to return it then it is most certainly a gift) you have officially defined yourself as a whore. Just like the bloggers who took money from politicians, or the ones who accepted free trips to Amsterdam. You’ve hung out a sign that says, “I’m for sale.”

That’s your choice. But pretty soon nobody can be sure if you’re espousing a point of view because you truly believe it or because somebody paid you to believe it. And if you think you can accept payola without it affecting your independence, you’re extremely naive.

Oh, and you forfeit all rights to speak credibly about the biases of the mainstream media.

BobH: I'm a whore. The only thing is when I sell myself, or my soul, you'll know it cause I'll disclose it.

Wow thats a cool xmas gift. I have got softwares and games in the past from different vendors, no computers as yet.

Uncle bill do you need my p o box address :)

Well
I could use a new Laptop even under a try before you buy scheme.
As long as the source of the 'gift' is disclosed, I think it is fine.
And also as long as it does not turn the blog recipients into 'infomercials' makers.

Serge
Biz:
http://www.njconcierges.com
Blog:
http://www.sergetheconcierge.com

I would like one!! hahah
I don`t care if Windows Vista Sucks....it can be changed right??

^^

so where do i place the orders?

Please ask them to send 4 pcs to us.
(Three kids and myself)

:-)

The two immutable forces on earth eh?

Gravity & Greed. Look at all the gimmie gimmies clamouring for their free stuff even though they probably can't review for nuts.

Disclosure is a fine thing, but even so each occurence chips away at the credibility of the reviewer.

Would you rely on Kevin trudeau's medical advice?

Chuck Norris or Christie Brinkley's fitness equipment choices, knowing that their opinions were offered without fear or favour?

If so then what would that say about your credibility?

Its looking very good, but if its true and I think its not the truth.....

hard to believe

Gimme one please!

How can I get one?

Ohhh...I really, really want a "giftee" one too! I'd even promise to get my tubes tied (maybe) if they gave me one (maybe), although I have absolutely no idea at all why they would do such a foolish thing! Unless someone at Microsoft would really enjoy hearing about me getting tied and tangled into absolute knots learning how to use a PC, having been a MAC user for 21 years....

What is the catch? And if none, how can I get one?

Gates just called me and said the pc was for me. They are sorry about the problem, the mistake was in DHL's IT department that was running Linux :)

Microsoft is kind and their Xbox PR Edelman gave me a copy of Roboblitz and John Porcaro gave me Viva Pinata, not much but it was nice. A computer would be to much, not that great of a blogger yet but wish I got one.

Robert,

I imagine it is as much to do with Intelligent Processor Architecture and Networking Mirroring Neural Nodes and Synapses of the Brain, AMD's Forte, as with a SMART Operating System which builds ITs own UpGrades from Transparent Applications Run on Vista Machines.

Running in Parallel with Open Source would be a Boon and a worthy Facility which apparently is presently denied.

Then IT would be Fit for AI Purposes...... and NeXXXXt Generation Quantum Operating Systems Networking.

That is the Computer MetaMorphing into a Network. Heavy METAI.

Hi! Very nice site! Thanks you very much! v8Euh1USVi

I'm in a serious need of a computer. Please!!!!!!!!!!!!

Need free computer? Look at http://getrichwithforex.blogspot.com">here-->http://getrichwithforex.blogspot.com

Please i need to get a free..pc. bilive it or not i am still using a pentium1..which is rather slow..i have tryd upgrading it but its js a waste of time. i desperatly need your help. memesofmwami@yahoo.com. thank you!!

please call me at 786-380-3214

I'll take one... but ditto to macbeach.

If Microsoft is giving away free computers I will take 1. I need a new 1.

memesofmwami, how about some free computer books:

http://www.freetechbooks.com

No, this is not a PR stuff.

hi i really need a comuter my family doesnt have money to get anything and we all have to sharefood just to get by from day to day so pleaseif u r giving away any thing it dont matter what it is can u please give it to me and my family thank


GOD BLESS U

this is sbdul nasir belongs to oneof the poor family of pakistan but is so insspired by the help of "Microsoft"
as i am too poor to pay and buy a computer for my self
which i will use for to get information and education by using internet .so therefor i request to "microsoft"to please send me a computer for me. i shall be very thankfull to "microsoft" which is one he best poor helpers company to send a computer for nasir .if you would please consider me fit for the above statement so please e maial to me by the address given aobve.bye

You may receive a new notebook from Microsoft or sit waiting at your current computer until the 'who knows when'. But, we are here to keep you on top of your game with FREE stretches and strategies that busy computer users can use to avoid neck pain and back pain from extended time spent at a desk/computer.

I also take one, but I don't like vista or something on it.... I prefer Linux!

joern

I also prefer Linux like Joern too!
vista isn't a good system...

I'am a poor student in SRI LANKA.now i'am following a computer GRAPHIC course.But i don't have a computer can you give me a LAPTOP COMPUTER.PLEASE KIND ABOUT ME!!!!!

i think its pretty gutsy actually. i doubt any of these folks can be bribed with a laptop. you don’t think apple gave out ipods to celebs? come on.

Nothing new. For many months now, Sun has been giving free machines to people who want to review and blog about it.

I JUST GOT AN ADDMISSION IN THE UNIVERSITY ,BUT TO DO WELL IN MY COURSE I NEED A PERSONAL LAPTOP PLS I WOULD BE GRATEFULL IF U GET ME ONE I LIVE IN NIGERIA.THANKS

i'm a poor teen in need of a cool vio pc i would be cool if i get one microsoft is cool

Sir,
My son is need of a laptop for his programing subject but I cannot buy him due to financial difficulty. I will be very gratefull if you can send me a laptop even second hand for my son not to fail his subject.
Please, please, please sir help my son.

Thamk you

PLEASE,
I AM VERY POOR STUDENT. I DONT HAVE A COMPUTER BECAOUSE I WANT TO LEARN COMPUTER STUDIES BUT MY EDUCATIONAL EXPENSE IS TOO MUCH. I CANT THINK ABOUT PURCHASE A COMPUTER . SO PLEASE HELP ME FOR CONT…. MY COMPUTER STUDY SEND A LAPTOP MAY BE POSIBLE OTHERWISE THIS MY ONLY DREAMS.I CANT THINK ABOUT THAT .
MY ADDRESS :
Ward No. 05, Post Office Talhar, District Badin, Sindh, Pakistan. (Talhar)

to protect the piaracy there is simple and clean way .. but how i can trust that microsoft will give me the computer

hi
I need laptop
am from jordan
my P.O.Box 644
fcity is huson

respected sir
iam doing in engg i really need a comuter my family doesnt have money to get anything and we all have to sharefood just to get by from day to day so pleaseif u r giving away any thing it dont matter what it is can u please give it to me and my family thank

regards
rajasekar.M

PLEASE,please
I AM VERY POOR STUDENT. I DONT HAVE A COMPUTER BECAOUSE I WANT TO LEARN COMPUTER STUDIES BUT MY EDUCATIONAL EXPENSE IS TOO MUCH. I CANT THINK ABOUT PURCHASE A COMPUTER . SO PLEASE HELP ME FOR CONT…. MY COMPUTER STUDY SEND A LAPTOP MAY BE POSIBLE OTHERWISE THIS MY ONLY DREAMS.I CANT THINK ABOUT THAT .
my address
24,anaikarai street
tenkasi-627811
tirunelveli dt
tamilnadu

I can definately use a free computer

P.S. Anything you want to give, used old new!!!!! I just need one bad. I will give you my info through email: queen2bre@yahoo.com
Thank you God Bless