Strong Vista sales reported

Both Best Buy Co. Inc. and Circuit City Stores Inc. reported high demand for Windows Vista in their retail stores, though it had a different effect on each company's business.

According to Best Buy, demand for PCs with Vista preinstalled has increased its PC and computer services sales by 10% since the new O.S. was released on January, 30.

On the other hand, Circuit City admitted to losing sales due to lack of enough Vista preinstalled PCs to meet customer demands.

Best Buy reported 18% rise in profit while Circuit City reported a US$12.2 million loss for the same quarter. Microsoft stock (MSFT) drove up more than 3 percent after the retailers' reports were announced.