Singapore - October 27, 2001 -- More than 3,000 copies of Windows XP were snapped up at the Singapore launch in Orchard Road last night after shoppers queued around the block for up to six hours to be among the first in Singapore with the new operating system. The 3,000 copies were sold at the special launch price of S$99 for the Windows XP Home Upgrade edition. At the head of the queue stood Lee Choon Hee, a 25-year-old electrical engineering graduate from the National University of Singapore. Under a hail of confetti canon glitter, streamers and camera flashes he bought the first copy from Microsoft Singapore Managing Director Natasha Kwan at the stroke of 6pm. 'I was pretty excited about getting Windows XP because of its stability and reliability,' said Mr Lee. 'And the fresh new look is absolutely amazing.' It's not the first time Mr Lee has shown grit and stamina to get his hands on the latest and greatest from Microsoft. He was third in line to buy Windows 98 when that was launched, again after a starting waiting at noon. A carnival atmosphere prevailed at the launch under brightly coloured canvas in Civic Plaza, in front of Ngee Ann City. The queue tailed several hundred metres along Orchard Rd back to the MRT station, waiting patiently while resellers plied the crowd with discount vouchers, bottled water and XP-branded fans. Once the line of keen computer users -- aged from seven to 70s -- was rolling, it moved smartly towards the 28 sales desks allowing Microsoft  to sell out the 3,000 copies available at the special launch price at the launch in two and a half hours. 'This is the last time I'll have to do any waiting for my computer,' quipped Mr James Eng Gin Brasher. 'I've got a new PC and with XP, I'll be flying,' he said. 'It was fantastic,' said Microsoft Managing Director Natasha Kwan. 'Everybody asks if this is the right time to launch a major new product but I think people were looking forward to a bit of good news. Together with our partners we are going all out to put a smile on people's faces and I'd like to thank the people who came out today for their support. I'm sure they are going to have a great time exploring Windows XP.' The usual estimated retail price ERP for Windows XP Upgrade is $199. The Windows XP Home full version will retail for $389 ERP. Windows XP Professional  Upgrade Edition is priced at $389 ERP and the Windows XP Professional full version will retail for S$569 ERP.

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For more information, please call: Charlene Chian Marketing Communications Manager Microsoft Singapore Tel: 433 5672 cchian@microsoft.com Susan Williams Baldwin Boyle Shand Tel: 538 9211 susan.williams@bbspr.com.sg