Windows 7 Retail Packaging is Lighter, Friendlier

Windows 7 retail box as thinner, lighter plastic.

A lot of what we talk about regarding Windows 7 has to do with pricing or performance enhancements, but today we learned from Microsoft a different sort of tweak – the revised retail packaging.

Although most Windows 7 users will undoubtedly get the new OS through the purchase of a new computer, some will be paying for it over the counter and getting it delivered as a shiny disc in the plastic box. We’ve seen the box art before, but Microsoft went into more detail about it in a recent blog post.

“We approached the packaging for Windows 7 the same way we approached the product – by listening to what our customers told us they wanted: make it a simple clean design, easy to open, and reduce waste,” said Windows Communication Manager Brandon LeBlanc. “We’ve reduced the number of elements in the package down to three: the plastic case, the paper sleeve, and a simple Getting Started Guide. The plastic case opens easily like a standard DVD case and it will have a single easy-to-remove seal at the top - and that’s it!”

Microsoft is also interested in its environment impact with Windows 7.

“The plastic case protecting the Windows 7 disk is lighter and is recyclable. The packaging itself has a 37% weight reduction and the econometrics score has improved by 50% over it’s predecessor,” LeBlanc continued. “Essentially, the packaging is what customers told us they were most interested in picking up to learn more about Windows 7.”

Along with new packaging comes a new logo and colors that set each different SKU apart. The new logo features nature-themed details inside each window quadrant and can be seen in greater detail in the latest Windows 7 build’s wallpaper.

“Customers told us they liked the big bold Windows logo and how it clearly communicates that it’s Windows 7. They like larger typefaces to make it easy to read. They also like the background colors for each edition that make it easier to differentiate between Windows 7 Home Premium all the way to Windows 7 Ultimate. In their own words, the ‘clean’ design gives off a ‘fresh’ feel.”