Finally, Microsoft has unveiled their pricing model for the much awaited (and much downloaded) Windows 7 OS. Sticking to the pricing model that was started with Vista, Windows 7 will be available in Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate flavours with prices to match.
The full, out-of-the-box clean install prices and the upgrade prices of the various Windows 7 OS‘s are as follows: Windows 7 Home Edition -$120 for upgrade; $200 for full version. Windows 7 Professional: $200 for upgrade; $300 for full version. Windows 7 Ultimate: $220 for upgrade; $320 for full version.
It doesn’t stop there. Window’s 7 will come with another pricing structure for pre-orders (of which there will be a limited amount released, starting now at Amazon
), only available to those who already have XP and Vista Installed. US, Canadian or Japanese PC owners who have XP or Vista, can pre-order Windows 7 for a discount upgrade price of $49.99 for Home Premium and $99.99 for Professional (no discount Ultimate upgrade price though). These are strictly limited on a first come first served basis – Pre Order Now
.
If that hasn’t confused you, there is also a separate deal for European users who will not be able to upgrade to Windows 7 from XP or Vista due to EU Competition rules but will be able to buy the full versions of Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional at the discounted upgrade prices.
To summarise, get in early wherever you are and you will save a fair bit otherwise you will have to wait to buy either the upgrade or full versions at full prices. Windows 7, eh? Thought this was supposed to get easier….