Microsoft has released their pricing for Windows 7. For most users in the US, this breaks down to three important levels; retail, preorder promotion, and recent purchase upgrade. Click Microsoft to view the clip.
The recent purchase upgrade is no real deal for consumers because without it, desktop and laptop sales would grind to a halt. It’s not a consumer gift, it’s a demand by systems manufacturers to ensure survival.
The preorder promotional prices are about where they should be, but given that Microsoft has just reported no first quarter revenue growth, year to year, for the first time in 23 years, I have to wonder if better or continued discounts are in the future.
Given the current economic environment, a 10% reduction from Vista pricing doesn’t get me jigging with excitement. The 10% is basically what Microsoft is touting as their strategy.
Given today’s economic situation, I can’t see consumers rushing to spend $200.00 to $300.00+ just for an operating system. I’m thinking the Upgrade price is about where the Full version price should be. Funny, but that’s exactly what’s being offered for the EU, with the Windows7 E version. This version is missing Internet Explorer, as including it would violate EU anti trust laws. Under the guise of keeping deadlines, Microsoft is offering Windows 7E Full versions at Upgrade prices. What those prices are, seems to vary form source to source. What the heck, why not give everyone the “no browser” option? I can download my own free browser to get another hefty reduction.
Enough banter already. Check out the prices below. I’m torn between using the preorder options or stubbornly waiting to see what else comes along, like for Windows7 Ultimate.
| Retail | Full | Upgrade |
1. Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium |
$199.99 | $119.99Â |
2. Microsoft Windows 7 Professional
|
$299.99 | $199.99 |
3. Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate
|
$319.99 | Â $219.99 |
Starting June 26th, 2009, purchase a systems with any of the versions below and get a free upgrade to an equivalent version of Windows 7.
| Vista Home Premium | FREE | Window 7 Home Premium |
| Vista Business | FREE | Windows 7 Professional |
| Vista Ultimate | FREE | Windows 7 Ultimate |
US, Canada,and Japan
June 26th – July 11th, 2009.
Preorder now through July 11th for delivery on October 22nd. Upgrade only @Participating Retailers
| Version | US | Canada | Japan |
Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 
|
$49.99 | Â $64.99 | Y7,407 |
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 
|
$99.99 | $124.99 | Y14,073 |
UK, France, and Germany will have similar preorder offering starting July1st, 2009.
There has been much press about the fact that the Preorder Promotion is for the Upgrade Version only. Yes, I know we can supposedly jump through hoops to do a clean install with an Upgrade version but…..
I also have to wonder about all the people using the Beta and RC1 release of Windows 7 Ultimate. What about something for the Ultimate users? What about OEM pricing? I think I’ll just wait for the clunk of the other shoe.
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