Windows7How

Windows 7 – How much will it cost

October 15, 2009

When Microsoft releases an operating system (OS), they will always produce a list of pricing and the OS SKUs – “Stock-Keeping Unit” for each version, for example Windows 7 Home Premium is one SKU and Windows 7 Professional is another. For Windows 7, there are some major changes to this list.

First of all, the name of one SKU has been altered from when Vista was released. The Windows Vista Business had gone back to the old Windows XP structure and will be called Windows 7 Professional for this OS. This appears to be a way for Microsoft to put Windows 7 into people’s minds as a legitimate upgrade for Windows XP, with which most people are familiar and many do not want to give up. It’s a good strategy.

Next, the pricing for upgrades and full versions is also a bit different from how Microsoft sold Windows Vista. For instance, the price for an upgrade (from XP on all upgrade costs) of Windows Vista Home Premium was US$159.95 whereas the same slot for Windows 7 Home Premium will only cost US$119.99 – that’s almost a US$40 difference. Another change comes to Windows 7 Ultimate; that upgrade is US$219.99 versus US$259.95 for the Vista Ultimate upgrade. Again, there is a US$40 difference which seems to indicate that Microsoft is trying to make upgrading easier for their customers with this new OS.

The full versions see similar savings. In fact, the full version of Windows 7 Ultimate may be the best deal of all. Its MSRP is US$319.99, but the Windows Vista Ultimate full version was sold for US$399.95. The pattern seems to be cutting back on the price of the Ultimate and the Home Premium versions while keeping the middle version, Professional (‘Business’ for Vista), the same as before.

Here is the full list for your viewing pleasure (all prices in US$):

• Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
• Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99
• Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
• Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
• Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99

Before you go and assume that this is the price that you will pay, remember that this is the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) and you are likely to find whichever version you purchase at a lower price if you do some research.

If you are a college student with a valid college email address, you’ll be able to pre-order Win 7 at 30 British pounds or $30 in the US. It’s a great deal for students who does not plan to buy a new PC. Microsoft also plans to offer similar discount for students in following countries:  Canada, Australia, Korea, Mexico, France, and Germany. The price in each countires will be varied. The discount offers for students is good until January3rd next year, so you’ll have a lot of time to think about getting it. Don’t pay the full price while you can get it at just $30 bucks!

For US college students who are insterested in the offers, head over http://www.win741.com/ for more details.

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Tags: college student, discount, home premium, msrp, professional, special offers, ultimate, upgrades, vista, win 7 pricing, windows 7 cost, windows 7 price