Windows 7 pricing revealed

By Stephen Withers
Friday, 26 June 2009 05:48

Technology

Microsoft has finally spilled the beans on Australian pricing for Windows 7. And there's good news for those that don't want to wait until October to buy a new PC.

Retail prices for Windows 7 in Australia will be  broadly similar to those charged for Vista. Home Premium will be $A299, Professional will be $A449, and Ultimate $A469.

Upgrade prices will be $A199, $A399 and $A429 respectively.

In an apparent attempt to avoid customers delaying new PC purchases until Windows 7 ships on October 22, Microsoft has announced that the Windows 7 Upgrade Option will be offered in Australia, starting today (June 26).

Buyers of new PCs shipping with Windows Home Premium, Business or Ultimate "will be able to upgrade to Windows 7 for little or no cost when it launches on 22 October this year," said a Microsoft spokesperson.

One of the first companies to announce its participation in the Windows 7 Upgrade Option is HP. Eligible consumers will receive the Windows 7 upgrade, an upgrade utility disc and an instruction guide sometime after October 22.

While HP's upgrade kit is free, "shipping and handling fees may apply depending on retailer/reseller."

A different upgrade process will be offered to commercial customers.

"HP has helped guide Microsoft through the development of Windows 7, collaborating and offering unique insight and counsel on emerging technologies," said Tony Ignatavicius, director of product marketing, personal systems group, HP Australia.

"Because of this early collaboration, HP has engineered truly innovative PCs – from our thin and light notebooks and high-performance desktops to our acclaimed TouchSmart PCs – providing advanced performance, compelling user experiences and more functionality overall."

Microsoft Australia points out that the timing of the announcement gives a narrow window (June 26-30) for purchases that can take advantage of both the Education Tax Refund and the Windows 7 Upgrade Option.

Details of the Windows 7 Upgrade Option are (or will be) available here.