A large Canadian electronics chain, FutureShop, placed an ad yesterday offering "do a Windows XP upgrade analysis on your computer for only... $19.95", which works out to about US$12.

As Ralph Grabowski (the reader who made us aware of this fine deal) rightly points out, this leaves us with two possible outcomes:

1. Yes, your computer is ready for Windows XP. Please cough up an additional CN$149.99 for your very own copy (or CN$299.99 for the Professional version).

2. No, your computer is not ready for Windows XP. Please make your way over to our upgrades department and cough up whatever it will take to make your PC ready, then you can pay the CN$149.99 (about $95) for the software.

Of course, various possible system upgrades are highlighted at the bottom of the ad.

This reminds us of another great Microsoft+Canada offer that ran at the beginning of the year. Consumers buying a copy of MS Office would receive a free toboggan with it.

We're also wondering if PC World is going to improve its £40 PC Healthcheck deal, with an PC WinXP analysis service. ®

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