If you've been debating whether or not to try out Windows 7 Release Candidate 1 on your system, here's a piece of news that should help make up your mind: Australian pricing.
The good news is that the costs are pretty similar to buying Windows Vista. Windows 7 Ultimate's RRP is $30 more (Upgrade) or $20 more (Full version) than the equivalent Vista product, but a full version of Windows 7 Home Premium works out $50 cheaper than Vista Home Premium.
Windows 7 pricing nitty gritty
Upgrade pricing:
- Home Premium $199
- Professional $399
- Ultimate $429
Full Version pricing
- Home Premium $299
- Professional $449
- Ultimate $469
Windows 7 Upgrade Promotion
If you buy a new computer with Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate any time between now and 31 January 2010, you can upgrade to Windows 7 for nothing, or for a small cost, thanks to a special Microsoft promotion.
The upgrade can be redeemed from October 22, when Windows 7 is released, until 28 February 2010.
Take care though: only certain PCs are eligible for the promotion.Check in-store stickers on PCs before you purchase and visiting www.windows.com/upgradeoffer to check if the system you are planning to buy . You can also asking in-store if a system is eligible for the Windows 7 Upgrade.
Each manufacturer will have their own steps that you'll need to complete before getting the upgrade. Microsoft also notes that some manufacturers may only provide the upgrade option for a shorter period, so we'd sugggest you get all the facts before you buy.
HP has already announced that it's participating: customers who purchase qualifying HP PCs, starting today, will receive a free(1) upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available in October. HP customers can go online to check for Windows 7 upgrade eligibility. Upgrade kits will be shipped after October 22, with a step-by-step guide for installation at their convenience.
Also see our guide to The 30 best features of Windows 7
Also see our series, Windows 7 The Complete Guide:
Part 12: Windows 7, the complete guide: How Windows 7 can lock down your business
Part 11: Designed for Touch
Part 10: Wireless that works
Part 9: Turbo Boost your laptop
Part 8: Hunting down those missing files
Part 7: Good news for gamers?
Part 6: Blu-Ray and displays
Part 5: The new XP mode
Part 4: Playing DivX and XviD files
Part 3: Will your PC actually boot any quicker?
Part 2: Raw performance benchmarks
Part 1: Good news for gamers?