Offering discounts on new OS
Microsoft unveiled pricing details for Windows 7 today, which is expected to be available in stores on Oct. 22. Microsoft also announced a program that starts Friday under which consumers can pre-order the operating system for the next two weeks at discounts of more than 50%.
The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119. The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219. Note that the upgrade version is good for both Vista and XP installations.
Microsoft also provided more details around a previously disclosed upgrade program: consumers who purchase a Vista-based PC as of Friday will be eligible to upgrade the system to Windows 7 at no or little cost when it becomes available.