Having become so accustomed to software costing the equivalent of a kidney on the black market, the pricing for Windows 7 comes at a great relief. No, it is not as cheap as the $29 dollar upgrade fee for Snow Leopard, but cheap it is, and you might be getting it for free. Let’s take a look.
If you buy a PC, starting tomorrow, you will be eligible to get the corresponding version of Windows 7 when it comes out, for free or a nominal cost. This saves the back-to-schoolers from fretting about the shift, and still brings people into the Windows 7 fold. Basically, for 6 months, you are pre buying a Windows 7 system, that happens to have Vista on it. Simple enough.
Moving on, if you want to strictly buy Windows 7, at full retail when it comes out, it’s going to be cheaper. About 10% cheaper across the SKU’s. Not a huge change, but still a welcome one. Cheaper is always better. MSFT seems bent on getting people onto the Windows 7 platform. The cheaper price will provide just a little extra kick to get people to move.
Finally, if you pre-order (in some markets), you will get Windows 7 for a 50% discount. Or: Windows 7 Home premium for $50. Not bad at all! All things considered, Microsoft is launching a better OS, and charging us less for it. Long live competition.
Full pricing and Microsoft announcement here.
