Morgan Stanley’s analyst Katheryn Huberty said in her investment note that Windows 7 launch triggered a spike in PC sales during last week of October. She based her conclusion on recent data released by NPD group showing about 40 percent jump in PC sales during the week of Windows 7 launch compared to same time last year.

The rise in sales was slightly offset by 29 percent drop in PC sales for two weeks prior to Windows 7 launch. Similar spike was observed when Windows Vista was launched in 2007, but the sales normalized very soon after that. Microsoft’s own CEO Steve Ballmer thinks that Windows 7 will have very little long term impact and most customers will simply get Windows 7 in the same time it normally takes them to replace a given PC.

Katheryn said that the sales spike is a positive sign for Microsoft, but declined to predict whether or not the sales spike is evidence of a major trend or simply a temporary burst as those who had waited for Windows 7 buy their new systems.
[Via Electronista]