A very important information has just been revealed: Windows 7 OEM pricing. And why is it important? Simply because this money will make the difference when you try to buy a laptop with Windows 7 included.
We’ve talked before about the Windows 7 pricing, so here’s a quick reference to compare it with OEM:
|
Full |
Upgrade |
OEM |
| Home Premium |
$ 200 |
$ 120 |
$ 110 |
| Professional |
$ 300 |
$ 200 |
$ 140 |
| Ultimate |
$ 320 |
$ 220 |
$ 190 |
OEM pricing it is extremely important to computer builders, and of course users. But there are some considerations:
- OEM versions are only licensed to one machine. Period. You don’t get the chance to use the same license on a separate machine, even if you don’t have it installed in the original machine.
- Also is required for OEM, clean installations of the operating system. You cannot upgrade any existing installation, you must clean your hard drive first.
Even though the pricing has only been revealed for three versions, we assume that these versions (Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate) will be the selected ones for any computer manufacturer to use. Specially the Home Premium version (yes, I know, I do not like it either).
With the arrival of Windows 7, Microsoft is trying to come down hard with all the marketing. So far, the new operating system has not failed to them in their expectations, end users are very pleased with the look-n-feel and the performance (even from the first public beta). That’s why they want to get all the people that they can to try the OS; and in the UK they had a great idea: Put together a launch party of Windows 7 and you’ll get a Windows 7 Ultimate for free (original cost u$s319,99 and the upgrade version u$s219,99).
So what’s the idea with this launch party? Basically you’ll need everything that you ordinary need organizing a party, invite friends, handling RSVPs, and in this case you’ll get the chance to interact with other organizers, blog your experience, share photos and videos, etc; all of that focused in one product: Windows 7. And your friends at the party can look like this (yes, the amazed faces included):
To participate, you only need to sign up (free registration), choose a party theme from PhotoPalooza, Media Mania, Setting up with Ease, and Family Friendly Fun and HouseParty host will guide you through the entire process.
There has been a lot of speculation about this for a long time, but Microsoft announced officially the pricing that is related with Windows 7 in retail and upgrade versions. And guess what? It will be cheaper than Vista.
The difference isn’t all that much with the original pricing in Vista, but still the operating system is different and I’m sure you won’t regret the money invested in this OS as you may regretted with Vista. Here’s the detailed pricing:
Retail Versions
- Windows 7 Home Premium – $199.99 – [Vista Home Premium - $249.99]
- Windows 7 Professional – $299.99
- Windows 7 Ultimate – $319.99 – [Vista Ultimate - $319.99]
Upgrade Versions
- Windows 7 Home Premium – $119.99 – [Vista Home Premium - $129.99]
- Windows 7 Professional $199.99
- Windows 7 Ultimate – $219.99 – [Vista Ultimate - $219.99]
But wait, there’s more. There are some more good news about pre-ordering Windows 7 and getting 50% discount over the pricing mentioned above.
Amazon and other sites are offering discounts for those that purchase their Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional versions before July 11th:
- Windows 7 Home Premium – $50.00
- Windows 7 Professional $100.00
Check Amazon Windows 7 site.
