14 DAY TRIAL // Pricing was the last detail that Microsoft still had to reveal when it comes down to Windows 7. The Redmond-based company certainly took its due time, but the prices for the retail and upgrade packages of Windows 7 have now been finally made public. According to the software giant, the prices for Windows 7 will enable consumers to pay less and get more value for their money. The truth is that, with a small exception, Windows 7 editions will cost the same as the Windows Vista SKUs.
“So here’s the low-down on pricing for Windows 7. The 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; and Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99,” revealed Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager on the Windows Client Communications Team (emphasis added). Just in case you are curios, the Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade) costs $129.99; the Windows Vista Business (Upgrade) is $199.99; while the Windows Vista Ultimate Ultimate (Upgrade) is priced at $219.99.
“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; and Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99,” LeBlanc added. In contrast, Windows Vista Home Premium (Full) ERP is $239.99; the Windows Vista Business (Full) costs $299.99; while the Windows Vista Ultimate Ultimate (Full) is $319.99.
In this regard, Microsoft is in fact offering a reduced price only for the Home Premium edition of Windows 7 in comparison with the same SKU of Windows Vista. “For Windows 7, we are reducing the price on our most popular retail product for customers, the Home Premium Upgrade, by approximately 10% (depending on the market). In the U.S., this means a customer buying Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade will pay only $119.99 instead of the $129.99 being charged today for its predecessor,” LeBlanc stated. “Windows 7 Home Premium full retail product is $40.00 less than Windows Vista Home Premium today.”