Prices for Microsoft’s next-generation operating system, Windows 7, will start at £79.99 for the basic upgrade package.
Microsoft wasted absolutely no time in bringing Windows 7 to full readiness, no doubt hoping to get the unfortunate Vista situation behind it as soon as possible. It has just confirmed official release dates and prices, and has shown off the finalised Windows 7 packaging, so you know what to look out for this October. What’s more, Microsoft has a number of Windows 7 deals to make the transition that bit more appealing.
The base prices for the three main Windows 7 flavours are as follows: Home Premium costs £149.99, Professional is £219.99 and Ultimate is £229.99.
However, you don’t need to splash on a completely fresh copy of Windows 7. Until 31 December 2009, you can upgrade to Home Premium for £79.99, Professional for £189.99 or Ultimate for £199.99. Still, hardly what you’d call cheap is it?
Fortunately, there’s a third way – a very special pre-order deal will net you Window 7 Home Premium for a mere £49.99. If you’d prefer Professional, that’s going to be £99.99. Both offers start on July 15 and end on August 14, or until ‘stocks’ run out. Okay, we’re not sure there’s a real shortage of optical media these days, but whatever – if you’re going to buy Windows 7, you might as well just write it in your diary and get on with it.
If, however, you don’t have a PC to install Windows 7 on to and need to get one pronto, don’t worry. If you buy a Windows Vista PC after June 26, you’ll get a free upgrade to Windows 7.
Windows 7 launches on October 22nd, so in the meantime you’ll either have to keep playing with the beta, or just ogle the new packaging. It’s smaller and lighter than its predecessors. It’s even had a 37% weight reduction. Erm, yay?
