Windows 7 is free, well kind of

Geoff Spick
26 June 2009, 11:25 AM

Windows 7 pricing details are out and its a mix of the good, bad and indifferent for the world's Windows-using PC owners

Windows 7 pricing has finally been announced. Starting today, any customer (except Europeans - more on this here) who buys a PC from a participating computer maker or retailer with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate will also receive a free upgrade to the corresponding version of Window 7. Note that some PC makers may charge shipping costs for the upgrade disc, so check the small print carefully.

Europeans are in an odd situation where they are only being offered the Full version of Windows as Microsoft continues to antagonise European Union regulators. The dates and value of offers will differ by country, but Australian pricing is as follows:

Home Premium Upgrade $199
Professional Upgrade $399.99
Ultimate Upgrade $429 ($30 more than Vista cost)

Home Premium Full version $299 ($50 less than Vista cost)
Professional Full $449.99
Ultimate Full $469 ($20 more than Vista cost)

Compared to the prices in the US, Australians are being ripped off yet again:

Home Premium Upgrade $49.99 (until July 11)
Home Premium Upgrade $119.99 (after July 11)
Professional Upgrade $99.99 (until July 11)
Professional Upgrade $199.99 (after July 11)

Home Premium Full version $199.99
Professional Full $299.99
Ultimate Full $319.99

Microsoft Australia's answer is that "eligible Australian families can take advantage of the Education Tax Refund (ETR) on offer from the Australian Federal Government. The ETR allows eligible parents of school-age children to claim up to 50 percent back on expenses related to their kids’ education, including Windows PCs."

You can read more detail on foreign language versions and watch a chatty little video here.

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todd_h86 (User):

They have screwed the pooch! I knew it!!!!!

I only hope they come to their sense and have a price drop, or a multi user discount!

26 June 2009, 11:41 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Ryan Hothersall (User):

Will there be a an academic upgrade like there was with Vista?

$199 for the upgrade is gonna cost me a bit as I have two machines that I want to upgrade.

26 June 2009, 12:22 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Hemma (New user):

Way, way too expensive. When are the OEM prices coming in?

26 June 2009, 12:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

FindTheWalrus (User):

Windows 7 is good but it's back to Linux for me(after my RC expires)
The pricing is insane

26 June 2009, 1:21 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

marovinjian (New user):

Yeah well if you think your going back to linux we will see in due time. From Macrosoft HaHaHaha Hahaha. if you buy Windows 7 we will make millions and billions. hahah. Dr evil Gates. That company has really gone to far. I really though i would have spent at least 250 more for windows 7 BUT considering the amount i just blew On My System. Bugger Macrosoft they can go suck eggs. Now really I have supported the software Pirate Microsoft for the last 17 years buying only the full retail release of Win 7 Ultimate But I have already gone back to linux and am about to wipe this machune and Install Ubuntu Ultimate Os From this months PC user magazine. I already installed it in my latest System Intel I7 965 Extreme ,Gigabyte P55-UD6 12GB DDR3 16000 Stock Kingston HxperX 2000MHz timings of 9-9-9-27 1200W PSU 3X295GTX 1792MB It runs extremely well better than 6 and its just as easy /Not recommended for a noob but of you are new to computers alltogether it just as easy but much cheaper to start with Linux.

02 September 2009, 7:08 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

marovinjian (New user):

02 September 2009, 7:08 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Phred (User):

That pricing is obscene! Truly if they're wanting to drive the consumer away, they've done it!

Hello Apple!

26 June 2009, 1:27 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Tin (Regular user):

Apple's no better. They're just a different look.
If you really want to start moving away from MS products to avoid the company behavior, look to a Linux distro.

26 June 2009, 2:50 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Phred (User):

Quoting Tin:
look to a Linux distro

I already am... Ubuntu City, but was hanging out for a ray of light from Micro$oft, but once again let down. Pitty really, because Windows 7 is actually a good product.

26 June 2009, 4:46 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

McBanjo (New user):

Quoting Tin:
Apple's no better.

Wrong, it's $380 better. (Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: $429 vs. Snow Leopard Ultimate Upgrade: ~$49.)

Even at its worst it's $150 better (Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade: $199 vs. Snow Leopard Home Premium Upgrade: ~$49.)

27 June 2009, 10:23 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Anonymous_3965468486051569 (User):

Quoting McBanjo:
Quoting Tin:
Apple's no better.

Wrong, it's $380 better. (Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: $429 vs. Snow Leopard Ultimate Upgrade: ~$49.)

Even at its worst it's $150 better (Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade: $199 vs. Snow Leopard Home Premium Upgrade: ~$49.)

Well, if you look at the price of the Apple HARDWARE, you are definitely getting ripped off by (C)rapple. And their Snow Leopard is virtually FEATURELESS so it IS around two times cheaper to get Windows 7 on a new computer than it is to get a new Apple Mac.

So APPLE'S NO BETTER.

30 June 2009, 4:45 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Sp33d d3mon (User):

Really?

Apple Hardware is quite affordable. The Mac mini has pretty decent specs for the price (you try finding a PC without discrete graphics at that price without building it yourself), and the latest MacBooks are more affordable than ever.

Hell, I even run the Windows 7 RC on my MacBook (Pro), runs superbly, but nowhere near as responsive as on Leopard! If Snow Leopard actually delivers the speed boosts it promises, then I know what I'll be spending my next $49 on. I won't pay ten times that for just an OS upgrade.

So APPLE'S 10x BETTER.

30 June 2009, 6:58 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Oldmarovinjian (New user):

Yeah mioght run slow besause of emulation. use your head. Or even easier use google and typi in why does windows 7 run slow on a Mac than a PC. lots of answers.

19 September 2009, 4:26 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

TV Bis (New user):

Quoting Phred:
Hello Apple!

So you are willing to pay more for your computer then?
Doesn’t make any sense!

23 August 2009, 7:54 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Tin (Regular user):

Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?

26 June 2009, 2:53 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting Tin:
Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?
You may well ask that "Tin" :) Now back in my younger days I knew all kinds of shady characters that could help you out with just anything you needed :) Unfortunately most of them are dead or not in circulation anymore :( Ah well That's life.

27 June 2009, 5:24 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Raindog (User):

Quoting Tin:
Where does one find info on how to become a participating computer builder?

What, you don't know the secret handshake? Next thing Tin, you'll be expecting a fair and equitable access to price regimes.

Even with access to the participating builder secret handshake you'd soon find that participating builders are neither treated or regarded equally.

28 June 2009, 9:44 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Aubrey (User):

Are they actually trying to keep XP alive now? Surely they will have to get those people to move sooner or later - perhaps they have another scare campaign in store.

I have been using the RC and it is certainly an improvement on Vista but, like others, I will probably just let it die when the time runs out.

26 June 2009, 2:58 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

PALADiN (New user):

EDIT: Disregard this comment. A better one is below.

26 June 2009, 3:47 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

PALADiN (New user):

Do MS seriously think that Aussies are going to pay that much compared to the US?

Expect to see a lot of Windows 7 piracy in Australia when it comes out MS. I know I'll be one of the people pirating it.

You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.

26 June 2009, 3:52 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Phred (User):

Quoting PALADiN:
You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.

Yep, the only thing that this does is encourages you to not pay for it.

26 June 2009, 4:49 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting Phred:
Yep, the only thing that this does is encourages you to not pay for it.

Yep ;) I won't be paying for it because I'm not even going to bother getting it :) Now all I have to do is figure out where I can get this damn Linux .iso burnt to a disc :) And then I'll be a pure Penguin.

27 June 2009, 5:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

TV Bis (New user):

Quoting PALADiN:
I know I'll be one of the people pirating it.

It's very simple - if you don't want to pay for it then don't use it.
It's you and many others who steal that causes the high prices in the first place.

Quoting PALADiN:
You want to rip us off? We'll rip you off.

Yes a very sensible attitude shown here..................
The line should read "You want to rip us off? We'll steal from you.

29 June 2009, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Oldmarovinjian (New user):

If you want a Full copy of windows 7 Ultimate X32 Or X64 One or the other not both Contact me I can tell you where to get it for $257

14 October 2009, 4:24 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

DeadLetter (New user):

I feel screwed by M$ I own a copy of vista Basic64 and have had no problem since SP1 :P and the start timings are just as fast as win7 personally faster after I had tweaked it allot.

But I think I'll be joinging the pirating bandwagon, I refuse to spend 200-300 on a OS when upgrading an OS for apple is under 100 and Linux, BSD are FREE!!! and have nicer desktop effects.

17 October 2009, 10:30 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Halcon (Advanced member):

This is the most insane move by Microsoft!
With this pricing, nobody will go from Windows XP to Windows 7, to make the switch a better pricing and licensing would be necessary to attract most users to buy the software.
I am against the upgrade package, when the full version can be much better when in times of dire situations may require to do a re-install of the operating system and related applications; with the upgrade there is a lot of hassle, that can be avoided if the full version could be bought instead.
Death to Microsoft!

26 June 2009, 4:07 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

ickyboo (New user):

What a load of BS! the ETR expires on 31st June 2009, Thats only 5 more days. I do not accept this as a excuse from MS! . This will be a god send for me as I plan on actualy buying a notebook tomorrow for my cousin (lets hope HP allows free updates). On a dif note, M$ is using the ETR as a excuse to bend the Aus public over yet again! ETR gives you 50% or upto $750 back from any of your buys so if you know someone in highschool then do the dodgy and get them to buy a PC for you but as I stress, IT EXPIRES on 31st June 2009!! Shame on you MS for misleading people

26 June 2009, 4:49 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

itd (New user):

Quoting ickyboo:
What a load of BS! the ETR expires on 31st June 2009

Quoting ickyboo:
IT EXPIRES on 31st June 2009!!

I don't think the tax department would accept a purchase date of 31st June 2009 ;)

27 June 2009, 2:57 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

ickyboo (New user):

Sorry, Double post. deleted

26 June 2009, 4:53 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Martin Gifford (New user):

Let's see...

$470 for the full version (Ultimate).
$430 for an upgrade of the full version (Ultimate).
$300 for the nobbled version (Home).
$200 for an upgrade of the nobbled version (Home).

Go for it if you have money to burn, or if you love Microsoft.

I fall into neither camp.

26 June 2009, 5:23 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

AnthonyBrisbane (User):

And what about those who aren't eligible for the ETR? Not everyone has children Microsoft. This is the exact reason the ETR shouldn't exist, as just like the private health rebate and first home buyers grant, it's just an excuse to put prices up, because people will still be willing to spend the same amount of money. Meanwhile people who aren't eligible end up paying more.

26 June 2009, 5:42 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Rohun (New user):

My Wifes a dot net developer and her workplace is giving her a MSDN subscription for free, But I Will still be using Linux as my main OS and Vertical Boxing MS and its software.

26 June 2009, 7:39 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Rohun (New user):

Just logged in too MSDN, About to abuse the bandwidth :-)

26 June 2009, 7:47 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Raindog (User):

You do all realise that these prices are the usual new release numbers that Microsoft runs out. Rabid fan-boys would and will pay these prices, they'd pay double for the bragging rights and Microsoft knows it.

The bundle price witha a new Dell or HP will be very different (something I've always wondered why trade practices didn't pay more attention to) but even at 25% 0f these numbers it's not looking like value.

I'll buy Windows when I have to and use alternatives at every opportunity. When I am forced to use Windows I wont be paying these prices.

27 June 2009, 11:31 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Halcon (Advanced member):

In case you still don't get the message, head to this page and see for yourselves what is going on with this chaotic move of Windows 7 pricing.

http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/309031/analyst_120_windows_7_way_too_much?fp=2&fpid=1

Then get back here and post your comments.

27 June 2009, 11:59 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Halcon (Advanced member):

There is more in store for you, a serious disaster if you have Windows XP.
To get more details head to:

http://www.infoworld.com/d/windows/microsofts-looming-windows-7-licensing-disaster-xp-shops-639?source=fssr

I am sure you will not like Microsoft doing this to its legion of followers around the world.

27 June 2009, 12:10 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting Halcon:
I am sure you will not like Microsoft doing this to its legion of followers around the world.

Well "Halcon" it's sorta good to see that nothing has changed at Redmond even after Bill's gone but how does this affect one computer, single use punters like meself :) Just remember you can always rely on The Penguin :) Now if I can just get that program installed :)

27 June 2009, 5:50 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

useless (New user):

About time Mr Rud and the tresurer tell Microsoft where to go.

30 June 2009, 11:25 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Sp33d d3mon (User):

I do believe that's Mr RUDD, not Mr RUD.

30 June 2009, 7:01 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

useless (New user):

are we politically correct? spell check please!

07 September 2009, 7:54 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

mtarm1 (New user):

haha i got two home premium upgrade plus release date delivery for $133 AUD ha! suck on that MS you cant steal aussies money anymore well just buy it from us. lol

01 July 2009, 12:59 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

anonymous_1234567 (New user):

This is just way too expensive.

03 July 2009, 11:02 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

marks11122 (New user):

I think they should replace for that buggy piece of crap they sold us called vista. Should never have been released. So they did and it turned out to be Mircosofts BIG FAIL! And there customers is the one that suffered buying the failure and instead of fixing it they release another. FAIL!

19 July 2009, 8:45 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Teddykhil (New user):

Another bloody rip off for those that are less likely to be able to afford an upgrade or full version of Windows 7. In April 2009 I was the victim of a break and enter and a lot of my video, laptop, Digital SLR and some other items where stolen. I was thankfully covered by contents insurance which replaced 80% of what was stolen. The NEW laptop that I had replacement, was pre-installed with Vista Ultimate, but now I may have to fork out $429 Upgrade or $469 Full version. I'm only a pensioner and do a TAFE College course here in Ballarat, Victoria, but it's going to be bloody hard to find over $430 odd dollars for updating my laptop. No wonder some people look towards pirated software. NO, mines not, all legal. Thankfully being a student was able to buy the Ultimate version of Office 2007.

20 July 2009, 6:27 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Tony23 (New user):

If it meets your needs, give Ubuntu a go. If you can get yourself off the Microsoft treadmill there are substantial savings to be made and the capability of Linux is good.

That said, most people don't need an upgrade until they really have a _requirement_ to do an upgrade or buy a new computer. As a recent Ubuntu switcher, I'm possibly not in an unbiased position to talk, but I wouldn't buy a new operating system if the one I had was a) working and b) real productivity benefits weren't able to be identified.

Also, you might be able to get a seniors and/or student discount...if you must have it.

If you do try Ubuntu on your computer, try a live distribution to make sure all the drivers work - I have a laptop which just won't work with Ubuntu. It's a very crappy laptop....I look forward to using it as a wheel chock.....

27 July 2009, 10:56 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

mtarm1 (New user):

Quoting Teddykhil:
but now I may have to fork out $429 Upgrade or $469 Full version. I'm only a pensioner and do a TAFE College course here in Ballarat, Victoria, but it's going to be bloody hard to find over $430 odd dollars for updating my laptop.

1 you dont have to uppgrade to 7, vista is fine now...

2 you dont have to get ultimate you can just get the home premium upgrade for whatever it cost...

MS isnt making you do anything, vista is still being supported so your fine for at least 5 years ro so.

and if you really dont like it go to ubutnu as someone else mentioned

11 August 2009, 12:05 AM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

ywlaw (New user):

Well, at least the Ultimate version didn't cost $777.77.

23 July 2009, 5:55 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Faustino (New user):

Microsoft does not "antagonise European Union regulators," the latter have a vendetta against US hi-tech companies which understand how modern economies work. The EU has pursued MS in areas where there is no consumer detriment and no benefit from its decisions except to the EU coffers and the regulators' egos.

Do the upgrade prices relate to XP users? What about the netbook version, which is of immediate interest to me?

17 August 2009, 12:02 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting Faustino:
Do the upgrade prices relate to XP users? What about the netbook version, which is of immediate interest to me?
I doubt it "faustino" The upgrade price only applies if in fact you do "upgrade" to Win7 :) If like you're happy with XP,keep it for as long as you can and then decide if you want to go for a new flavour of Windows with all it's associated cost or perhaps you might like to try a Linux OS which could cost you nothing but which means you're going to have to learn a whole new way of doing stuff :) Cheers mate

17 August 2009, 2:56 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

Oldmarovinjian (New user):

Yeah F***the European Union regulators go to linux then you can be on your own. because of alot of the eu crap the prices of computers have gone up.

23 September 2009, 10:42 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend

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Windows 7 is free, well kind of

Windows 7 pricing details are out and its a mix of the good, bad and indifferent for the world's Windows-using PC owners

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