Microsoft marketing for Vista is gearing up–especially across the blogosphere. This past week several bloggers posted, for instance, have been receiving a puzzle in the mail that is part of a Vista contest. Robert Scoble indicates that the contest ends in front of the Bellagio on January 8th at CES.
Other bloggers are posting that they just didn’t receive a puzzle in the mail from Microsoft, but rather a fully loaded notebook with Vista–which they can either send back after evaluating, keep, or give away. (At least some of the machines are 64-bit Acer Ferrari’s. Too bad there isn’t a Ferrari Tablet :-). )
I received a package from Microsoft yesterday too. No, it wasn’t a notebook. It was a box full of Vista marketing material. The contents are contained in a translucent box with a cardboard wrapper that says “start here.” Inside is a letter that says “Congratulations on receiving 1 of 5000 Windows Vista Launch kits.” (Each box has a number on the side indicating which one in the sequence it is. My number is 1839 of 5000. I wonder who has the lowest number?) The box contains:
* A book listing various Vista partners and products. I noticed at least one product that isn’t out yet. Not sure if I should spill the beans or not–but do check out the product/partner guide if you get one of these boxes.
* A round mousepad with the Vista Start button logo on it.
* Belkin USB transfer cable
* 1GB Windows Live USB drive. Contains info on Windows Live.
* Microsoft Office Live trial card.
* 2GB SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB drive.
* Day pass for T-Mobile
* Details on Windows Marketplace
* Flight Simulator X. The letter in the box indicates that some boxes include other games.
* 2 “Vista Launch Kit” DVDs–I haven’t looked at them yet to see what they contain.
I’m not sure who the boxes are being sent to although Lora messaged me yesterday that she got one too. (I can’t remember her number. I think it was three thousand something.)
Yes, Vista marketing is well on its way. And next month, with the official consumer launch of Vista, I imagine things are only going to get more intense. January is going to be a big marketing month. First there’s CES. Then the regional launch events begin. And then the formal Vista launch at the end of the month.