Microsoft on Thursday announced pricing for its Windows 7 operating system, which is set to be released on Oct. 22. Prices are about 10 percent lower than Microsoft’s launch prices for Windows Vista.
“Overall, customers will be paying less and getting more with Windows 7,” wrote Brandon LeBlanc in The Windows Blog. “This includes fun new features such as HomeGroup, Device Stage, Aero Shake, Snap, Peek, Jump Lists, and our completely redesigned Windows Taskbar.”
Details of Microsoft’s previously disclosed Windows 7 Upgrade Option were also unveiled. Consumers who buy a PC from a participating OEM or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate installed will get an upgrade to Windows 7 at “little or no cost.”
There has been speculation about just when the upgrade program would begin. “What I’m here to tell you is that it’s going to start tomorrow, June 26,” said Brad Brooks, a Microsoft spokesperson. The upgrade program will continue until Jan. 31.
Microsoft is also offering, for a limited time, a discounted price for advance orders of Windows 7.
The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium will be priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or Windows XP costing $119. The full version of Windows 7 Professional will be $299, with upgrades priced at $199. Windows 7 Ultimate will be $319, with the upgrade priced at $219.
To cash in on the back-to-school period, Microsoft said consumers can order Windows 7 through online retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon.com and the Microsoft Store for an even lower price for a limited time.
From June 26 through July 11, consumers in the U.S. can order the Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade for $49.99 and the Windows 7 Professional upgrade for $99.99.
The offer applies to consumers in Canada for the same period as in the…