MS gives to Europeans with one hand, takes with the other

Stephen Withers
Monday, 29 June 2009 06:12

Business IT - Technology

Europeans will be offered full Windows 7 licences at upgrade prices, but they will still pay significantly more than their US counterparts for most versions.

Microsoft has revealed that it will sell the 'full' version of Windows 7 in Europe for what would otherwise have been the upgrade price.

(The reason for putting quotes around 'full' is because European customers get Windows 7E, which lacks Internet Explorer in a move intended to prevent Microsoft getting further offside with the European Commission.)

According to Microsoft officials, the European pricing decision came about as there was insufficient time to test a retail upgrade version of Windows 7E and still ship it on October 22.

However, in most cases European prices will still be significantly higher than those charged in the US, despite the absence of Microsoft's browser.

Home Premium will cost €119.99, Professional €285, and Ultimate €299. At the time of writing, those prices convert to $US168.66, $US400.60, and $US420.27.

The US upgrade prices are $US119.99, $US199.99 and $US219.99; with full licences costing $US199.99, $US299.99, and $US319.99.

Unless they really do need a Windows 7 Home Premium upgrade, European buyers will be paying substantially more than their US counterparts, even when taxes are taken into account.

The US dollar is currently weak against the Euro, and it is possible that Microsoft expects that situation to change in the coming weeks or months. Large companies tend to make long-term pricing decisions rather than continually adjusting overseas prices to reflect exchange rate fluctuations.

At least some European customers will be offered discounts for pre-ordering - see page 2.