To put this in context – Apple is releasing their new OS Snow Leopard for $29. There are no other versions – just the OS for $29. Okay.
Now you’d think Microsoft would have learned from the marketing debacle that was Vista. Here’s the pricing info for Windows 7, announced today.
These estimated retail prices for upgrade packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:
- Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
- Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
- Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99
And the estimated retail prices for full packaged retail product of Windows 7 in the U.S. are:
- Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
- Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
- Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99
Confused yet? So am I.
I have a MacBook and a PC. I’ll definitely be upgrading to Snow Leopard. But there is no way I am $220 to upgrade my Vista Ultimate machine to Windows 7 Ultimate – if that’s even the right upgrade path. But if you want to – it will be available on October 22!
Oh Microsoft haven’t you figured out that less is more? Why so many choices? At least the case is easy to open.
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{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
Further annoyance for me:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/offers/pre-order.aspx
I JUST bought a new laptop, I guess 4 days too early? Son of a…
@Justin you MAY be eligible for their free upgrade plan for new PC buyers
“But, you don’t have to wait until GA to get a new Windows PC. In fact, we know many people need that new PC sooner – for back to school specifically. And we have the answer for people who need a new PC now but still want to get Windows 7 and that’s the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, which kicks off tomorrow, June 26th! Anyone who buys a PC from a participating OEM or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate on it will all receive an upgrade to the corresponding version of Windows 7 at little or no cost to customers. The Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program will be available until January 31st, 2010 – and is global! For more information on taking advantage of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, visit http://www.windows.com/upgradeoffer.”
Where did you get your new PC? Can you still return it?
I bought direct from HP. I’m going to call and bitch, maybe they’ll wave their wand since it “starts tomorrow” and I just bought.
Good Luck!
Actually they’ve just updated that page, I had read an article that shared that link before they had it up.
Sounds like vendors may offer free upgrades when you buy a PC. I missed out on that. But, some retailers will be offering that 50% off. Hoping Best Buy, maybe Walmart, Newegg?
We’ll see.
$199 to $319 what a spread my XP pro was just $99
They definitely should have reduced the number of versions and sold Windows 7 for $99 and Windows 7 Pro for $199
==> http://getanewbrowser.com/2009/06/dear-microsoft-address-your-pricing-structure/
If you pre-order in the next two weeks, you will in fact get Windows 7 for $50, or Pro for $99 …
I missed that – that’s a great point.. The pre-order sale is a good move. I guaranteed that was thought of after WWDC and Snow Leopard announcment.
Why not just retail it at the “pre-order” price?
I’m not an economic genius but I would think if it was cheaper people would flock on board and even if it didn’t work they wouldn’t feel so bad. with this pricing range I’m gazing at a MAC….. yuck !!!
Yea I think at $99 they would sell waaay more copies
I have a MacBook and a PC. I’ll definitely be downloading the Windows Vista Service Pack for free. But there is no way I am paying $29 for the Snow Leopard service pack..
It’s time for Apple to start doing some development and release a new OS not just Service Packs.
@Juno Very interesting point but I think Snow Leopard is much more than a “service pack”
I somewhat agree with you but to play devil’s advocate one could argue that Windows 7 is a rebranded version of Vista
There were comments here.. they are being imported to disqus…. sorry for the delay!
Aaaaaand they are back