14 DAY TRIAL // Come next week, Microsoft and its retail partners will kick-start new Windows 7 RTM special offerings, both in the US and internationally. The Redmond company has yet to announce the specific markets around the world in which the fresh deals will be available, but, judging by the software giant’s past marketing pushes, users in North America and select European countries (20 markets in total) should be able to take advantage of the discounts planned. The latest round of special deals is offered to users buying new Windows 7 OEM PCs, that want to upgrade to an edition superior to the one preinstalled on the machine. This can be done through Windows Anytime Upgrades.
“In the U.S.: Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Home Premium ERP $49.99 (versus everyday price of $79.99) and Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional ERP $79.99 (versus everyday price of $89.99),” Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, revealed. “Many of our retailer partners are taking advantage of Windows Anytime Upgrade with a brand new offer that will start next week. Beginning April 4th at participating retailers, people who buy a new PC will have an opportunity to add Windows Anytime Upgrade to their purchase at a special low price.”
Customers currently running Windows 7 and that want to jump from the Starter to the Home Premium SKU, or from Home Premium to the Professional edition, will only be able to do so via the new, special deals for a limited period of time. According to the Redmond company, the special offerings will last only three months in the United States.
“This offer will be available at participating retailers and for a limited time only, (in the U.S. this offer will end July 3rd). Details vary by retailer and geography – so check with your local retailers to see which PCs they are offering. Participating retailers also choose which Windows Anytime Upgrade path to offer. Some may offer Windows Anytime Upgrade for going from Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Home Premium, while others may offer Windows Anytime Upgrade for going from Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional, or they may offer both,” LeBlanc added.
UPDATE: various changes to the first paragraph for the sake of clarity.
Microsoft Windows 7 90-Day Eval VHD is available for download here.
Another Windows 7 RTM Enterprise 90-Day Evaluation is available for download here.