Judge Rules 'Vista-Capable Lawsuit' Can Proceed

In April, a class-action lawsuit was filed against Microsoft, alleging that Microsoft used deceptive marketing practices when it allowed computer makers to use the term "Windows Vista Capable" on their items, when in fact the hardware was unusable, or virtually so, with Vista. The suit really centers around personal computers labeled as "Windows Vista Capable" before the operating system released in January. It was filed on behalf of PC buyers Dianne Kelley and Kenneth Hansen.

Rejecting Microsoft's claims that the plaintiffs did not have standing to bring the action, Seattle District Court Judge Marsha Pechman on Tuesday ruled that the lawsuit can proceed and set a court date for October.

The complaint filed by Kelley and Hansen is that many personal computers labeled as "Windows Vista Capable" could obtain only a stripped down operating system, and were not able to run Vista with the Aero interface, Media PC functionality, and more.

It's interesting that right after this lawsuit was filed, Microsoft revised its definition of Vista-Ready.