Windows 7 pre-orders begin, now (but not for Europe)
Tomorrow is today which makes it time to get your Windows 7 pre-order in. Amazon issued a big ‘ol press release telling us that it’s now offering the Home Premium Upgrade and Professional Upgrade packages for $49.99 and $99.99 though July 11th, while supplies last — nothing special there as it’s the standard pricing you’ll find at all your favorite on-line retailers. Amazon does promise, however, that you’ll “receive the product” when released to shops on October 22nd. Note a 3 per customer limit so don’t get greedy, ok? It’s not like Microsoft can just press the OS onto another disc or something.
Update: For those wondering about the reduced upgrade prices for Europe… there aren’t any. In the UK, the Home Premium “upgrade” (that is actually a full-version of the OS in Europe) will cost £80 (about $131) and Professional “upgrade” will cost £190 (about $312). If bought in shops they’ll cost £150 and £220, respectively. According to the BBC, Microsoft claims that it can’t offer the lower upgrade pricing in order to comply with European competition regulations, a claim that EU regulators dismiss. The European version of Windows 7 also won’t ship with Internet Explorer so you’ll have to find some other means to install Firefox. Look EU, if you’re going to fine Microsoft billions for anti-competitive behavior then you have to expect this kind of tail-between-the-legs retribution, honest or not. You certainly can’t say that Microsoft is using its market dominance to push out the competition when Apple’s Snow Leopard is coming in September for a mere $29. Happy now?
[Thanks, Gavin]
Windows 7 pre-orders begin, now (but not for Europe) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 01:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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