Windows 7 Pricing Announced

[Wraith]

Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5302371/windows-7-pricing-good-news-mostly?skyline=true&s=x)

In short:

Customers who buy a new Vista PC starting June 26 (ending at a date to be announced) can upgrade for free to the corresponding version of Windows 7. Home Premium to Home Premium, Business to Professional, Ultimate to Ultimate. No free upgrade for Vista Home Basic.

Retailers and Microsoft's store will offer half-price upgrade versions of Win7 Home Premium and Professional for preorders, starting June 26.

Windows 7 Home Premium:

$50 for upgrade (limited time preorder discount)
$120 for upgrade
$200 for full version

Windows 7 Professional:

$100 for upgrade (limited time preorder discount)
$200 for upgrade
$300 for full version

Windows 7 Ultimate:

$220 for upgrade
$320 for full version


No word on OEM pricing, as of yet.


I know I'd be "giving up" my copy of XP Pro, but that $100 upgrade preorder price for Win7 Pro looks tempting. I'm certainly not paying $300 for it...

[Goronmon]

This really makes me want to renew my Technet subscription.

[muddi900]

Does the upgrade only works for vista, like the Beta and the RC?

[total]

I believe I am going to snag myself a full copy of ultimate. Kudos to MS for getting me to spend $320 on an OS.

[NoName]

This really makes me want to renew my Technet subscription.

It made me glad I renewed my technet subscription. It's cheaper plus I can get a key per version. :D

[Wraith]

Does the upgrade only works for vista, like the Beta and the RC?You can use an upgrade version of Win7 if you're running XP, but you won't be able to do an upgrade install. You'll have to back up your files and do a clean install. (I assume it will ask you for the disc for the version you're upgrading from at some point during the install.)

Not sure how this works for folks running versions of XP that came only with a restore disc... Maybe it can detect an existing XP install, but has to overwrite it.

[Shadowstorm]

$320 fucking dollars for Ultimate? FUUUUUUUCK. This absolutely kills any chance I can get Win7 any time soon legitimately. What the hell, Microsoft.

[Voodoo]

$320 fucking dollars for Ultimate? FUUUUUUUCK. This absolutely kills any chance I can get Win7 any time soon legitimately. What the hell, Microsoft.
I don't believe there's a really good reason to have Win 7 Ultimate. Check out the features list...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare-editions

...I have Vista Ultimate but will most likely go the route of Win 7 Pro.

[Shadowstorm]

I don't believe there's a really good reason to have Win 7 Ultimate. Check out the features list...

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/products/compare-editions

...I have Vista Ultimate but will most likely go the route of Win 7 Pro.

Hrmm. That's good news - Win7 Professional seems it would suffice just fine then; however the price difference between Ultimate and Professional is just $20. $300 for a new operating system is simply too much. I'm not in the position to upgrade.

[MachEnergy]

I want to say I read somewhere that if you are using the Win7 RC right now, you'll have to do a full install. So it looks like I'm going to have to reinstall Vista in order to then install a Win7 Upgrade. Gotta say, the prices for upgrading are pretty kosher.

[Shjinta]

Jesus Christ... I can't fucking afford any of the versions...

[Wraith]

For a more detailed comparison of the Win7 editions: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp

For most people, Home Premium is going to do everything they need it to.

Professional adds these features over what's in Home Premium:

Will accept more than 16GB RAM (64-bit).
Backup to network
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Remote Desktop Host
Offline files
Domain join (Windows Server)
XP Mode licensed
Location-aware printing


If you don't need these, Home Premium will do.


As for pricing, the normal upgrade/full prices look to be the same as Vista's (http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/pricing.asp), except Home Premium is a bit cheaper (-$10 upgrade, -$40 full), probably because there's no retail equivalent of Vista Home Basic for Win7. (Cheaper version will only be available preinstalled from OEMs.)

[Wraith]

I want to say I read somewhere that if you are using the Win7 RC right now, you'll have to do a full install. So it looks like I'm going to have to reinstall Vista in order to then install a Win7 Upgrade. Gotta say, the prices for upgrading are pretty kosher.I thought you could just pop in your Vista disc when you install Win7 Upgrade to verify your copy. Just like with previous versions of Windows.

[MachEnergy]

I thought you could just pop in your Vista disc when you install Win7 Upgrade to verify your copy. Just like with previous versions of Windows.

Most likely. I was meaning more that I will have to blow out the Release Candidate installation to do anything. Goodbye settings. Oh well. Fresh installs can be fun.

[Wraith]

Jesus Christ... I can't fucking afford any of the versions...What did you pay for the version you're running now?


I paid I think $140 when I bought XP Pro OEM back in 2003. Now, my options are to get the Win7 Pro upgrade preorder for $100, or Home Premium for $50. (There are a few things I'd like in Pro, but I could probably get along fine w/ Home Premium.) OR to spend $200-$300 on the full versions.

I think I'm willing to use my XP license on an Upgrade version of Win7. I've gotten six years of use out of it, at least.

[Shadowstorm]

I think I'm just going to aim for OEM Home Premium, after looking over the more detailed comparison list link that Wraith posted earlier. I don't really need XP mode as I can do that already with Virtualbox or VMware, plus I don't have any legacy software that won't run in Windows 7.

[Mot Wakorb]

For those of you considering Ultimate or Pro, ask yourself this: Do you need active directory integration? If you don't need AD, stick to Home Premium. Otherwise you're burning money where you don't need to.

[Telefrog]

For my system at home, Home Premium will serve me just fine. $40-$50 sounds great.

[Voodoo]

I thought you could just pop in your Vista disc when you install Win7 Upgrade to verify your copy. Just like with previous versions of Windows.
Vista upgrade, at least mine, required that the previous OS be installed already. You could trick the install disc by installing Vista without a key the first time and then doing an 'upgrade' to itself & providing a key on the second install. Hopefully Win 7 Upgrade will do a disc check.

[Fenced]

I know next to nothing about Windows 7, but $50 to upgrade sounds mighty fine.

[Vigil80]

Riddle me this. I've never done an OS upgrade, only ever done full version installs.

I have XP home. I upgrade to 7. Six months later, I do a hardware upgrade and want to do a fresh install. Do I need to go dig up my XP disk?

Also, is there any indication that 7 is going to suck less than Vista? Even though I know it's a pointless question, since Microsoft is going to broadcast a frequency that causes XP disks to melt four months into 7's launch... :p

[Wraith]

Vista upgrade, at least mine, required that the previous OS be installed already. You could trick the install disc by installing Vista without a key the first time and then doing an 'upgrade' to itself & providing a key on the second install. Hopefully Win 7 Upgrade will do a disc check.It looks like there is a way (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=5932), for XP to Vista upgrades, but it's not nearly as intuitive or simple as I thought it was. :(Riddle me this. I've never done an OS upgrade, only ever done full version installs.

I have XP home. I upgrade to 7. Six months later, I do a hardware upgrade and want to do a fresh install. Do I need to go dig up my XP disk?Pretty sure you will. That's one thing I want to guarantee before buying an Upgrade version - that I can install this upgrade on a new system, using my same XP disc and Win7 Upgrade disc, when it comes time to move to a new system. (Of course I won't be running the OS on more than one machine, but I need to be able to transfer it to a new system.)Also, is there any indication that 7 is going to suck less than Vista? Even though I know it's a pointless question, since Microsoft is going to broadcast a frequency that causes XP disks to melt four months into 7's launch... :pI don't think anyone's found that it's worse than Vista. The worst you could say about it is that it doesn't really offer enough to make it worth upgrading, for those who already have Vista working well. (Though that's debatable as well.)

[Wraith]

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-one-of-100-microsoft-windows/) has a contest, giving out codes for the preorder discount. (If you win, you get three codes which allow you to buy at the discounted $50 or $100 upgrade price, even if it's sold out at retailers. You don't get a free copy.)

[Hawkzombie]

Where can we sign up for the preorder? 100 bucks to upgrade isn't bad at all...

EDIT: NEvermind, it starts tomorrow on MS's site.

With all the good things I've heard from you guys about Win 7, I might as well go for it.

[Wraith]

From Ars (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/windows-7-pricing-announced-cheaper-than-vista.ars):The low preorder price will vary per country:


US: Windows 7 Home Premium ($49.99) and Windows 7 Professional ($99.99)
Canada: Windows 7 Home Premium ($64.99) and Windows 7 Professional ($124.99)
Japan: Windows 7 Home Premium (¥7,407) and Windows 7 Professional (¥14,073)
UK: Windows 7 Home Premium (£49.99) and Windows 7 Professional (£99.99)
France and Germany: Windows 7 Home Premium (€49.99) and Windows 7 Professional (€109.99)

The deal includes select retail partners, such as Best Buy and Amazon, as well as the online Microsoft Store (http://store.microsoft.com/). This program begins Friday, June 26 in the US, Canada, and Japan. It goes on while supplies last or until July 11 in the US and Canada, and until July 5 in Japan. For the UK, France, and Germany, the preorder starts July 15 and runs while supplies last or until August 14.So check with retail sites or Microsoft store tomorrow.

[BabyJesus]

I wonder if 7 is going to have the same "bug" where you could buy the upgrade versions then when you did a fresh install you just installed the demo version then did the upgrade on top and **poof** full version for the price of upgrade....

[BabyJesus]

So looking at the list you can't RDP into Home Premium. That blows. I use that tons at home.

[Wraith]

Yeah, looks like you can RDP from a Win7 Home Premium machine, but not to it.

[Ancalagon]

So looking at the list you can't RDP into Home Premium. That blows. I use that tons at home.

I thought it meant you cant RDP from Home Premium?

[Wraith]

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/25/engadgets-recession-antidote-win-one-of-100-microsoft-windows/) has a contest, giving out codes for the preorder discount. (If you win, you get three codes which allow you to buy at the discounted $50 or $100 upgrade price, even if it's sold out at retailers. You don't get a free copy.)Ars (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/windows-7-preorder-coupon-sweepstakes-us-only.ars) is running a similar contest (though you win 1 code instead of 3).

[Jackel]

Yeah, looks like you can RDP from a Win7 Home Premium machine, but not to it.

Yeah. I use that a lot so I might have to upgrade for the Pro version.

[Wraith]

I thought it meant you cant RDP from Home Premium?Not having Remote Desktop Host would mean that you can't RDP from another machine to that machine.

[Wraith]

Some info on upgrade versions:

I've gotten a ton of questions about the Windows 7 retail pricing stuff, as expected. But the number one question, by far, is an oldie but goodie:

"Can I use a Windows 7 Upgrade version to perform a clean install of the OS?"

This is becoming particularly antsy for people because they want to take advantage of the time-limited Windows 7 presale, which starts tomorrow.

So, what the heck, I asked.

The answer, I'm told, is ... Yes. You can perform a clean install of Windows 7 with the Upgrade media, as you could with Windows Vista.

The second most common questions regards "upgrading" from Windows Vista or XP (32-bit) to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. (You cannot do an in-place upgrade between 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows.)

Yes, it's possible. The key is to purchase the Windows 7 Upgrade version electronically (preferably through the presale and directly from Microsoft). If you do so, you're given the choice to download the x64 bits. So if you qualify for a Windows 7 upgrade--i.e. you own Windows XP or Vista--you can buy the Windows 7 Upgrade version of your choice, download the x64 version, burn it to disc, and do a clean install. (Per the previous question.)

Hope this helps.

[BabyJesus]

Not having Remote Desktop Host would mean that you can't RDP from another machine to that machine.

I might just get home premium and the get a copy of Dameware. Its more money but I could use it elsewhere too. Been getting a bunch of SBS install jobs recently in my "side" work.

[BabyJesus]

The answer, I'm told, is ... Yes. You can perform a clean install of Windows 7 with the Upgrade media, as you could with Windows Vista.

Awesome.


Blah blah too short.

[Jackel]

Good news. Looks like I'll be buying the upgrade version.

I can put this on 1 computer only right? Or could I maybe squeeze it on to 2.

[Wraith]

Good news. Looks like I'll be buying the upgrade version.

I can put this on 1 computer only right? Or could I maybe squeeze it on to 2.Even if it was technically possible (I'm guessing you'd fail to activate one copy, or it would be found as not genuine), you'd absolutely be breaking the license.

[BabyJesus]

Amazon has them up...

Home Prem: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-Home-Premium-Upgrade/dp/B002DHLUWK/ref=sr_tr_1?ie=UTF8&s=aps&qid=1245989497&sr=8-1

Pro: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Windows-7-Professional-Upgrade/dp/B002DHGM50/ref=sr_tr_2?ie=UTF8&s=aps&qid=1245989534&sr=8-2

[J Arcane]

Cool. It supporting XP as an upgrade path alleviates at least SOME of my sticker shock.

win7 is honestly the first Windows I've felt was genuinely worth money, despite my general distaste for charging for OS software (an attitude that is in it's own right more old school than I even am old, admittedly), but the pricing only strengthens the distaste.

Are they going to have proper OEM versions as well, besides this Win7Basic BS? That might be one other way to save me some bucks, since I will probably be rebuilding this rig before long anyway.

[BLeeP]

OK, so I really like Windows 7, and I want to upgrade to it, but I have a couple of questions before I throw my money around. First:

I own a ton of old games and want to run them whenever I want without trouble (or at least no more trouble than what XP gives me). Should I shoot for 7Pro with the XP Virtual Machine feature?

Two, I have XP installed on my machine which I bought OEM when I built this computer. I don't know if I still have my product key sitting around anymore. Will I have any trouble upgrading to 7 (I'm also going from 32 to 64, if this makes any difference)?

Thanks for any and all help.

[J Arcane]

XP Mode performance, at least on my rig, was far too poor to be useful for anything but basic apps, or much older 2d games.

[Wraith]

Preordered Pro on Amazon... If something's revealed in the meantime that turns me off the upgrade version, I can always cancel.

[Primus]

For a more detailed comparison of the Win7 editions: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp

For most people, Home Premium is going to do everything they need it to.

Professional adds these features over what's in Home Premium:

Will accept more than 16GB RAM (64-bit).
Backup to network
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Remote Desktop Host
Offline files
Domain join (Windows Server)
XP Mode licensed
Location-aware printing


If you don't need these, Home Premium will do.


That is the conclusion I came to. I don't think I need the most expansive version to tickle my balls. Premium for me.

[bapenguin]

CoG Friendly Link for Amazon PreOrder: http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-GFC-00020-W7HPU/dp/B002DHLUWK?tag=cog-20

[MachEnergy]

amazon doesn't mention if it is 64 bit....or am i missing something?

EDIT: nevermind, i totally missed this bullet

Takes full advantage of 64-bit PC hardware and memory.

[Wraith]

amazon doesn't mention if it is 64 bit....or am i missing something?

EDIT: nevermind, i totally missed this bulletI'm hoping that's accurate for the upgrade versions. They should list 32/64-bit in the technical specifications so buyers know what they're getting.

[Wraith]

Gizmodo (http://gizmodo.com/5302734/how-to-pre+order-windows-7-tonight-and-how-to-cut-the-line) has a list of (all?) the online retailers participating in the discount preorder, for the U.S., Canada, and Japan. (Similar preorders don't start until next month for UK/Europe - Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/windows-7-pre-orders-begin-now/).)

You can also preorder the Ultimate version upgrade, but again, it's not at a discounted price. (Still $219.99.)

[Vector]

Free via MSDN ;)

[Wraith]

This suggests that the upgrade versions include both 32-bit and 64-bit:

http://trevinchow.com/blog/2009/06/25/windows-7-pre-order-available-now-on-microsoft-store/All editions of Windows 7 available on Microsoft Store include both 32-bit and 64-bit editions. If you choose to buy Windows 7 for download, you will get access to both downloads.32-bit and 64-bit versions are included in every version we sell. So if you buy Windows 7 Home Premium, you will get both versions. This applies to both the packaged product as well as the download version.While this is someone speaking for the Microsoft Store, I'd assume the packaged version they're selling is the same as what all the other retailers are selling.

[Crittias]

I just preordered from the Microsoft store. I've been very happy with the W7 RC, and I'll be installing the retail version on all my machines when it arrives in October.

[Telefrog]

I just preordered. Might as well take advantage of the savings.

I do find this bullet point for Windows 7 funny:

Watch many of your favorite TV shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.

Wow! Really? Man, I wish there was some way I could do that now... :p

[total]

Wow! Really? Man, I wish there was some way I could do that now... :p

I know...and my experience with the MS's Internet TV as it is right now (In W7 Media Center) is pretty piss poor.

[BLeeP]

I ordered directly through the Microsoft store via digital distribution. Hopefully I do not regret that choice.

[bryan]

Anyone hear anything about the pre-orders for any other part of the world? I'm in Malaysia and would love to grab it.

[Fenced]

So I am a little confused. I have an OEM version of Vista 64 home premium. I preordered the Win7 upgrade for home premium. Can I dual-boot both vista and Win7, or does the Win7 upgrade "overwrite" vista?

Also, because I have an OEM of Vista 64, does that mean Windows 7 upgrade is essentially tied to my motherboard as well?

[Wraith]

So I am a little confused. I have an OEM version of Vista 64 home premium. I preordered the Win7 upgrade for home premium. Can I dual-boot both vista and Win7, or does the Win7 upgrade "overwrite" vista?I believe you can do a clean install, rather than an "upgrade" install, with your Win7 Upgrade version. But no, you can't use both your vista license and your Win7 upgrade license for two separate installs (regardless of whether it's dual-boot or on two separate machines). You would need a non-upgrade version of Win7 (either OEM or full retail).

[Narradisall]

I check out to see if I can get the $50 upgrade, but anything above that can sod right off. Windows Xp Vista 8.0 OS will probably roll out in 18 months anyway...

[Mot Wakorb]

ll, besides this Win7Basic BS? That might be one other way to save me some bucks, since I will probably be rebuilding this rig before long anyway.

No Basic version - Home Premium is the base version here. The word was that Basic is only intended for Netbooks and "starter machines" outside the United States. The US will see Home Premium and Professional as their two main versions, with Enterprise being volume license keys, and Ultimate being pointless as it was with Vista. They went back to a more XP-like idea, give the media center and such features in Home, tack on Active Directory domain and single sign-on into Professional/Enterprise.

[Wraith]

I check out to see if I can get the $50 upgrade, but anything above that can sod right off. Windows Xp Vista 8.0 OS will probably roll out in 18 months anyway...The preorder prices for the UK are:UK: Windows 7 Home Premium (£49.99) and Windows 7 Professional (£99.99)But, Europe/UK get full versions rather than just upgrade versions, at that price. MS decided to leave out upgrade version in Europe, rather than re-testing everything to make sure upgrade installs work without Internet Explorer. (Ars (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/06/windows-7-pricing-announced-cheaper-than-vista.ars))No Basic version - Home Premium is the base version here. The word was that Basic is only intended for Netbooks and "starter machines" outside the United States. The US will see Home Premium and Professional as their two main versions, with Enterprise being volume license keys, and Ultimate being pointless as it was with Vista. They went back to a more XP-like idea, give the media center and such features in Home, tack on Active Directory domain and single sign-on into Professional/Enterprise.There also will be Win7 Starter in the U.S., but only on new machines, not at retail. (Not sure if they'll sell Win7 Starter OEM discs.) (Updated Win7 editions comparison (http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp))

[Widgetcraft]

$50 upgrade to Home Premium sounds perfectly reasonable to me.

[zarathstra]

To echo an earlier question: If I install this, are all of my XP games going to become obsolete? I've already pre-ordered, so I do have time to cancel...

[Wraith]

Windows 7 Game compatibility list (http://www.sevenforums.com/gaming/5739-windows-7-game-compatibility-list.html) (Windows 7 Forums)

Granted, this is a user-compiled list, so YMMV.

[zarathstra]

Windows 7 Game compatibility list (http://www.sevenforums.com/gaming/5739-windows-7-game-compatibility-list.html) (Windows 7 Forums)

Granted, this is a user-compiled list, so YMMV.

Thanks!!

messageistooshort

[digitalErich]

Home Premium pre-ordered. I probably won't install it on this computer but next winter is new PC time so I might as well take advantage of the savings.

[Doogie2K]

I'll have to check the feature list, but if there's not a huge step from Pro to Ultimate, maybe I will take advantage of the pre-order deal on that and just do a fresh install. Or I'll do what I always do, and wait for SP1 and a sub-$100 student deal to come out, like with Vista. ;)

[Doogie2K]

(Updated Win7 editions comparison (http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_skus_compare.asp))

So I'm looking at that, and the only Ultimate feature I can see myself using is maybe, kind of, the language packs (which, if memory serves, comes free with all versions of OS X), but even at that, I'm not taking any language courses now, so I doubt it'd be that useful to me. And while I only have 4 GB RAM now, I can easily see the day where I have more than 16, and that day coming before Windows 8 comes out, so I think I'll go Pro and suffer through the fresh installation.

[MagGnome]

I doubt I can do the upgrade, since my XP disc is a proprietary restore disc....

This seems really pricey to me for an OS. $200 is going to be a bit hard to swallow when I finally build a new machine.

[Shadowstorm]

I doubt I can do the upgrade, since my XP disc is a proprietary restore disc....

This seems really pricey to me for an OS. $200 is going to be a bit hard to swallow when I finally build a new machine.

Go OEM.

10char.

[MagGnome]

Go OEM.

10char.

Good point. I'm assuming that the OEM version will be cheaper? Is there really any difference between the OEM and the full versions, feature-wise?

[Wraith]

Feature-wise, AFAIK the only difference is that you can't do an in-place upgrade (from Vista to Win7) like you can with an Upgrade or Full retail edition.

There are licensing restrictions though, if it's anything like Vista OEM.

[Inspector Fowler]

I ordered it X 3 last night. Premium for my desktop and netbook, and a separate order with Pro for my wife's computer because she does a lot of web design and the XP mode may help with some of her older design software.

[Doogie2K]

I got myself Pro last night (XP mode and >16 GB RAM support...you never know) and my Mom a Home Premium copy, so I don't burn my activations too soon. It occurs to me now that she has some legacy programs (The Print Shop 10) that might cause some problems, but for half the price...fingers crossed.

[Xydarc]

Pre-ordered Windows 7 Pro upgrade yesterday. I want the XP emulation for games.

[Wraith]

Pre-ordered Windows 7 Pro upgrade yesterday. I want the XP emulation for games.From what I've read, XP Mode doesn't support hardware acceleration, so it's probably only an option for older games that can run without it.

[BlackPete]

Good point. I'm assuming that the OEM version will be cheaper? Is there really any difference between the OEM and the full versions, feature-wise?

You don't get the shiny retail box with the OEM version. Other than that, it's exactly the same.

And yeah, licensing is a tad different as already noted.

[Thanasimos]

Let's hope that my school picks up lovely, delicious, Windows 7 licenses for all of us students. If so, I'm going to dual boot WinXP 32-bit and Windows 7 64-bit, and spend some cash going up to 8 gigs of RAM. That should make a tremendous difference in a lot of the stuff I do, so it is exciting to me; at the same time I'll need WinXP for being compatible with everything ever, which it is.

[J Arcane]

Let's hope that my school picks up lovely, delicious, Windows 7 licenses for all of us students. If so, I'm going to dual boot WinXP 32-bit and Windows 7 64-bit, and spend some cash going up to 8 gigs of RAM. That should make a tremendous difference in a lot of the stuff I do, so it is exciting to me; at the same time I'll need WinXP for being compatible with everything ever, which it is.
It really isn't. It's just that it's been so long that all the shit that isn't compatible either faded to irrelevancy or upgraded to suit.

[Thanasimos]

It really isn't. It's just that it's been so long that all the shit that isn't compatible either faded to irrelevancy or upgraded to suit.

As long as you don't think I actually believed myself when I said all that, I'm cool with you correcting me. Even a young gun like me has games that don't work well or even at all in XP. However, I have relatively recent things that I can't make friendly for Vista (and let's not bring my distaste for the OS in general into things). I fear a much larger list for Win7.

[Doogie2K]

As long as you don't think I actually believed myself when I said all that, I'm cool with you correcting me. Even a young gun like me has games that don't work well or even at all in XP. However, I have relatively recent things that I can't make friendly for Vista (and let's not bring my distaste for the OS in general into things). I fear a much larger list for Win7.

I miss the X-Wing franchise. :(

[boratika]

Australian Pricing:

Upgrade pricing:

* Home Premium $199
* Professional $399
* Ultimate $429

Full Version pricing

* Home Premium $299
* Professional $449
* Ultimate $469

There doesn't seem to be any pre-order discount.

Also noticed this article on life hacker (http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2009/06/windows-7-australian-upgrade-pricing-unclear-and-expensive/):Windows 7 Australian Upgrade Pricing: Unclear, Expensive

Windows 7 will set you back at least $199, but upgrade paths for new PC buyers are still ill-defined for Australian users.

Any PC purchased from 26 June running Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate will be eligible for an upgrade to Windows 7 for “little or no cost”, according to a Microsoft Australia press release. However, what that means in practical cost terms hasn’t been announced, and it will vary by manufacturer — so some might offer a completely free upgrade while others slug you for “delivery fees” and other random expenses. The offer will run until the end of January 2010.

Personally, I suspect I'll be going OEM or student edition (If one exists.) Well, depending on their licensing details, anyway.


Random sidenote: Since it is released everywhere on the October 22nd, it will be released in New Zealand first.

[jeffbax]

What is the installation footprint? As mentioned, free with MSDN but if its going to suck up a ton of space like Vista by default (which was 10x that of XP) I'll pass bothering.

Still, this pricing is largely hilariously overpriced.

[Wraith]

I thought it was a little smaller than Vista's install footprint, but probably not a huge difference. (Don't have any links, at the moment. I'm sure google does.)

As for overpriced... It's the same price that Vista's currently at, a tad cheaper in Home Premium's case. And Pro doesn't drop some features of Home Premium like Vista Business. And the preorder upgrade program seems like a really good deal (especially for us folks still on XP). It probably seems like a ripoff for people who just got onto Vista, but were too early for the free Win7 upgrade programs. Then again, $50 isn't such a bad deal.

[Slack3r78]

You don't get the shiny retail box with the OEM version. Other than that, it's exactly the same.

And yeah, licensing is a tad different as already noted.
More than a tad different. The huge difference is that OEM licenses are not transferable. This means that if you build a new PC, you're not supposed to use the move the same OEM copy over to it. Retail licenses do allow for this.

That said, in practice, it's never enforced anyway.

[Wraith]

There might be a Family Pack 3-license deal for Win7 Home Premium. MS hasn't announced anything about a Family Pack, but there's some text in Win7 Home Premium's EULA that suggests there may be one.

http://www.kristankenney.com/2009/07/02/windows-7-home-premium-to-include-family-pack-licensing/

[MagGnome]

I sold my old computer to my mom a few years back. It just crashed, so I'm having her send me the XP Install discs so I can get the upgrade version of Win7. :D

[Satertek]

00I sold my old computer to my mom a few years back. It just crashed, so I'm having her send me the XP Install discs so I can get the upgrade version of Win7. :D

As far as I know, the only difference the upgrade version has from the regular version is that license requires you to merely own a previous copy of Windows (for Vista it was Win 2k or newer). You don't actually need to have a previous version installed.

Edit: OK, I'm think I'm wrong on this. I thought this was the case in Vista but it apparently wasn't, you had to use this workaround (http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp) to do an install directly off booting the disc. Otherwise you have to boot into the OS and start the install from within Windows itself. I haven't found any statements for MS on whether or not 7 will allow it.

[bryan]

Would it invalidate the version you're upgrading from?

[Satertek]

Would it invalidate the version you're upgrading from?

Not physically, it wouldn't lock out the CD key or something. But...IANAL, but legally I believe you couldn't use it on another system, as then you couldn't legally run an upgrade version of 7.

For lack of a better term, the upgrade version is on the honor system. You have to start the install from within Windows, but it could well be a copy you borrowed from someone else.

[bryan]

That's how it was done before, was it? Any confirmation it'll be the same for Win7?

[MagGnome]

Not physically, it wouldn't lock out the CD key or something. But...IANAL, but legally I believe you couldn't use it on another system, as then you couldn't legally run an upgrade version of 7.

For lack of a better term, the upgrade version is on the honor system. You have to start the install from within Windows, but it could well be a copy you borrowed from someone else.

Well in that case I'm good either way. Thanks for the info!

[bryan]

Start the install? But that's if you're going from Vista, correct? You can install a fresh one, at which point I guess you put in your previous license key?

I've never gotten an upgrade version.

[GrenMag]

I miss the X-Wing franchise. :(

If it's any consolation, I've not had any problems firing up X-Wing vs Tie Fighter on Win7 x64. Other than remembering that the labels on the Master and Multi-player discs were reversed, of course.

[Doogie2K]

If it's any consolation, I've not had any problems firing up X-Wing vs Tie Fighter on Win7 x64. Other than remembering that the labels on the Master and Multi-player discs were reversed, of course.

Figures that that's the one I don't have. Still, IIRC, the remakes of X-Wing and TIE Fighter were in the same engine, so maybe it'll work that way.

[Wraith]

Here's something interesting, according to an MS spokesman:If you are running the Windows 7 Release Candidate, and you have activated it, you will not need to reinstall an older version of Windows before using an Windows 7 upgrade disk.Houston Chronicle TechBlog (http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2009/07/a_major_windows_7_upgrade_question_gets_an_an.html )

I guess the question is...can you just install the free Win7 RC, then an upgrade version of Win7? Will you get blocked if you didn't upgrade from XP/Vista to Win7 RC, or will it work, but break the EULA?

They do note that, if you need to re-install Win7 Upgrade in the future, you will have to install your previous OS (I guess Win7 RC won't activate after a certain date); installing w/o activating isn't an option for the Upgrade versions of Win7. And that you can't do an upgrade install from RC to Upgrade. It's basically a clean install, and all your existing files/settings get put in a folder called Windows.old.

[BLeeP]

Here's something interesting, according to an MS spokesman:Houston Chronicle TechBlog (http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2009/07/a_major_windows_7_upgrade_question_gets_an_an.html )

I guess the question is...can you just install the free Win7 RC, then an upgrade version of Win7? Will you get blocked if you didn't upgrade from XP/Vista to Win7 RC, or will it work, but break the EULA?

They do note that, if you need to re-install Win7 Upgrade in the future, you will have to install your previous OS (I guess Win7 RC won't activate after a certain date); installing w/o activating isn't an option for the Upgrade versions of Win7. And that you can't do an upgrade install from RC to Upgrade. It's basically a clean install, and all your existing files/settings get put in a folder called Windows.old.

Hmm, so it seems it will be easier to get it up and running than I originally thought. Doesn't this mean that anyone who is thinking of upgrading and aren't using the W7RC should go ahead and start doing so? I mean, there's no reason not to go ahead and start using it.

[Wraith]

Unless they check to see whether you upgraded from XP/Vista to the RC, it would seem like installing the RC first is the way to go.

[MagGnome]

Speaking of the RC, I have a question.

I have an iMac with a Windows XP partition. Does anyone know if I can just download the RC and install it right through the Windows partition? If so, does this erase all of my data? I'd like to try it out, but not if I have to go through boot camp, repartition the HD, etc.

[Inspector Fowler]

Speaking of the RC, I have a question.

I have an iMac with a Windows XP partition. Does anyone know if I can just download the RC and install it right through the Windows partition? If so, does this erase all of my data? I'd like to try it out, but not if I have to go through boot camp, repartition the HD, etc.

I think that if you are installing over XP or the W7 beta, it will format the partition. If you are upgrading from Vista, it will keep all your data. That's what it told me, anyway.

[MagGnome]

I think that if you are installing over XP or the W7 beta, it will format the partition. If you are upgrading from Vista, it will keep all your data. That's what it told me, anyway.

Thanks for the response. I'll probably just skip the RC, unfortunately.

[Wraith]

Microsoft confirms Windows 7 family pack (http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10292332-56.html) (CNet)Microsoft on Tuesday confirmed that it does plan to offer a "family pack" for Windows 7 that can be used on up to three PCs.

The software maker acknowledged the move as part of a blog entry Tuesday afternoon. However, it still isn't saying how much it will charge for the family pack, which allows three installations of the home premium version of Windows 7.

[MachEnergy]

I thought I had read somewhere that the Family Pack Home Premium would cost $150.

.....looking for sources....

[roboninja]

I went ahead and jumped on a recent deal for Windows Vista Home Premium x64 OEM for $139.99. It comes with a Win7 upgrade coupon, so it seemed like a decent price to me.

[Wraith]

I thought I had read somewhere that the Family Pack Home Premium would cost $150.

.....looking for sources....If true, that would make it the same as their promotional Home Premium Upgrade price ($50 * 3 PCs).

[Slack3r78]

I went ahead and jumped on a recent deal for Windows Vista Home Premium x64 OEM for $139.99. It comes with a Win7 upgrade coupon, so it seemed like a decent price to me.
Eh? OEM should sell for less than that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

[Wraith]

Microsoft Agrees to Windows 7 Browser Ballot, Exclusive Details Revealed (http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=15786) (DailyTech)The European Union ruled it was anticompetitive for Microsoft to release Windows 7 without rival browsers to Internet Explorer, which came installed by default. Initially Microsoft opted to release Windows 7 in the EU without IE 8. However, it now has come around and has made a proposal along the lines of what Opera had originally suggested -- a browser balloting scheme.

...

According to Mr. Lie the currently proposal from Microsoft is to present users a ballot screen during Windows 7 installation. Any browser maker with over 0.5 percent Windows browsing marketshare would be eligible to be on the screen, with a maximum of 10 allowed options. This would mean that Opera, Mozilla's Firefox, Google's Chrome, and Apple's Safari would likely be the browsers presented.

Currently Microsoft is proposing that the user choice of a third party browser triggers an automatic download via a link to the company's site, requiring the Windows 7 user to be internet-connected.

[MagGnome]

That's a very interesting idea, and something I definitely support!

[Wraith]

Microsoft confirms pricing/availability of Windows 7 Family Pack: $149.99 USD ($199.99 CAD), available October 22 (same as regular versions). Upgrades up to three PCs to Windows 7 Home Premium. (Ars Technica (http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/07/windows-7-family-pack-and-anytime-upgrade-pricing-unveiled.ars))

[roboninja]

Eh? OEM should sell for less than that.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116677

Cancukistan, my good friend. Even with our dollar being closer to par, we still get charged quite a bit more for certain things. Microsoft software is one of them (as can be seen from Wraith's post above).

[Voodoo]

I've heard recently that if you're going to install an Upgrade version that an already activated version of XP or Vista must be presently installed. Anybody else hear about this? Vista required the same thing but you could trick it by installing Vista on top of itself...

[roboninja]

I've heard recently that if you're going to install an Upgrade version that an already activated version of XP or Vista must be presently installed. Anybody else hear about this? Vista required the same thing but you could trick it by installing Vista on top of itself...

Personally, I think this whole "upgrade" thing is a bunch of nonsense. The cost of the OS should be the cost of these upgrade packages. Why would you want to make your product a hassle to even begin to use, just to get a few bucks more from people that may have pirated your OS in the past? I mean, outside of self-builders, most PCs come with a copy of Windows anyhow. Why make that a requirement when it is a near-certainty that the person already has the previous version? I do not understand the rationale.

[Wraith]

I've heard recently that if you're going to install an Upgrade version that an already activated version of XP or Vista must be presently installed. Anybody else hear about this? Vista required the same thing but you could trick it by installing Vista on top of itself...I was under the impression that that's how it works, but there are conflicting reports (http://www.pcworld.com/article/168598/microsoft_source_suggests_win_7_wont_require_activ ated_os_before_upgrade.html) from Microsoft sources, and apparently no clarification since.

I'm upgrading from XP Pro OEM to Win7 Pro Upgrade. My copy of XP has never failed to activate, as I've moved up from one system to another. If I had to do an XP install on a new machine before I could install Win7, I think I'd be ok. (Though using Vista OEM could be a problem - I think it enforces restrictions on transferring to another machine.) What I don't know is, if this install requirement is in place, would my copies of XP and Win7 both validate the next time I move to new hardware.

[Savok]

So XP mode really isn't worth it for gaming? Being Australian that's $200 for one damn feature that might not even work right...

[Slack3r78]

So XP mode really isn't worth it for gaming? Being Australian that's $200 for one damn feature that might not even work right...

It's just a virtualized copy of XP. It's going to be slow.

[Wraith]

So XP mode really isn't worth it for gaming? Being Australian that's $200 for one damn feature that might not even work right...Q. Is XP Mode designed for 3D gaming?

A. No. XP Mode does not support 3D graphics APIs such as DirectX. If you need to play 3D games that will not run in Windows 7, set up a dual-boot environment.Maximum PC (http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/windows_7_feature_focus_virtual_windows_xp_aka_xp_ mode?page=0%2C1)

I think it's primarily for application support - to encourage businesses/individuals to move up to Win7 without worrying about losing some apps that still aren't Vista/7 compatible, or having to pay for another XP license for the virtual environment.

[Mot Wakorb]

Not only that, but XP Mode actually runs as a RemoteApp/Remote Desktop application - not as an actual native app. It launches XP VM, backgrounds it, and brings the window to the forefront.

[Savok]

Neat, a pile of money saved, ta.

[Cpl_Punnishment]

forgive me if this was posted,but this looks to be a sweet little move!

Now let’s talk about the Windows 7 Family Pack. Last week I confirmed we were doing a family pack for Windows 7 consisting of Windows 7 Home Premium for installation on up to 3 PCs.
Family Pack of Windows 7 Home Premium

Today, most homes have more than one PC in them. When you run Windows 7 on more than one PC on a home network, you can do more with features like HomeGroup. HomeGroup allows people to connect to PCs on their network and share files, music and photos with the whole family – easily. The Windows 7 Family Pack is an easy and affordable way to get all your PCs in your household running Windows 7 through licensing to install Windows 7 Home Premium on up to 3 PCs.

The Windows 7 Family Pack will be available starting on October 22nd until supplies last here in the US and other select markets. In the US, the price for the Windows 7 Family Pack will be $149.99 for 3 Windows 7 Home Premium licenses. That’s a savings of more than $200 for three licenses. This is a great value and we’re excited to be able to offer it to customers.

[bryan]

Nice, all the stuff I needed to know!

[jeffbax]

It's about time they had a family license pack.

[Wraith]

A note about the Family Pack: apparently this will be available for a limited time, may not be available in all markets, won't be available in Europe until next year. Link (http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/rtm_availability.asp)

[boratika]

A note about the Family Pack: apparently this will be available for a limited time, may not be available in all markets, won't be available in Europe until next year. Link (http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/rtm_availability.asp)

Yeah, it's not looking good for Australia. And three is exactly the number of PCs I want to put it on :(

[Wraith]

I suppose we'll know more leading up to general availability date (Oct. 22). Hopefully they announce exactly when, if ever, the family pack is arriving in other territories.

[cppcrusader]

Do we know yet if the family pack is an upgrade or full version?

[Wraith]

Family Pack is an upgrade version, Win7 Home Premium.

[Slack3r78]

So basically, Microsoft took the family pack idea, which could have been a boon, and buttfucked it until it was stupid again. Awesome.

[total]

So basically, Microsoft took the family pack idea, which could have been a boon, and buttfucked it until it was stupid again. Awesome.

Do you expect anything less? I am patiently waiting for them to randomly delay 7 for no good reason.

[Wraith]

Well, their promotional upgrade preorder prices for Home Premium and Professional proved pretty prosperous successful. And the Family Pack is the same price, just bundled 3-in-1. It would be nice to see it stick around, but even if it did, we wouldn't see it at the $50 per seat price for long.

[MagGnome]

What's the point of having a separate "family pack" if the price is the same? :confused:

[Wraith]

What's the point of having a separate "family pack" if the price is the same? :confused:Well, it's the same as the promotional upgrade pricing, which is no longer available (limited time/quantities). So when Win7 releases, the Family Pack will be cheaper than getting 3 copies at the normal upgrade price. (3 * $120 = $360 - $150 = $210 saved.) If you were able to grab 3 upgrade copies under the promotional price, then yeah, it's the same price.

[bryan]

So basically, Microsoft took the family pack idea, which could have been a boon, and buttfucked it until it was stupid again. Awesome.


I'm sorry, I don't get the hostility?

[Slack3r78]

I'm sorry, I don't get the hostility?

Microsoft whines and complains about piracy and then prices themselves such that it encourages piracy.

They need to dump this Upgrade vs 'real' version nonsense, for one. Further, a family pack is something that has been needed for a while, but they took a good idea, made it 'upgrade' copies, and then made it a 'limited time offer' for no good fucking reason.

I get annoyed with idiocy.

[Slack3r78]

Well, their promotional upgrade preorder prices for Home Premium and Professional proved pretty prosperous successful.
Well, you see, that's because if you offer a product at a price people consider fair, they will actually buy it.

Microsoft is still living in a fantasy world where charging $200 retail for an OS intended to run on sub $400 hardware makes sense.

[Xerxes]

Hopefully FREE..

Thanks School! ^_^

[Savok]

Microsoft whines and complains about piracy and then prices themselves such that it encourages piracy.

They need to dump this Upgrade vs 'real' version nonsense, for one. Further, a family pack is something that has been needed for a while, but they took a good idea, made it 'upgrade' copies, and then made it a 'limited time offer' for no good fucking reason.

I get annoyed with idiocy.
I would of been all over the family pack myself when the time comes, 3 being exactly what I need.