>This question (what's the total # of WinXP computers on the desktop?) or variations have been asked of MSFT executives and others by the IT press. There's never been a direct answer. Now to some degree MSFT doesn't know exactly, obviously...but they know.
>
>If they have a Q&A at DevCon, ask them the same question.
>
>Everything I "have" is anecdotal but MSFT is clearly guarding some of this information.

Hmmm... one of my other "hats" is systems integration for a number of small businesses. Since about November of last year every new computer I've worked with/heard of at any of my clients has been XP - almost all Pro, a few instances of Home for standalone or tiny networks.

>More anecdotes -- MSFT recently announced (quietly) a large price cut for WinXP simply because computer stores can't sell it. No similar price drop (to my knowledge) for Win2000, WinME or Win98...

Haven't seen this at all. Not reflected currently at shop.microsoft.com, wholesale at Ingram Micro, or local white-box OEM prices.