Windows 7 Starter Rumored at $200... Really?
Microsoft has yet to even hint at pricing for its upcoming Windows 7, but websites are now reporting details citing anonymous sources.
We saw the first report from German site Windows Secrets, which started off by placing a $199.95 price tag on Windows 7 Starter. The site also listed Home Basic at $259.95; Professional at $299.95; and Ultimate at $319.95. Shortly after, Ars Technica repeated the exact same information, though did cite that it did not come from a trusted source.
We’re still not sure of the pricing, but all four price levels do match up against what the four versions of Windows Vista are listed at on Microsoft’s comparison website -- so it’s possible that Microsoft is keeping the same tiers.
What is somewhat curious is that Windows 7 Starter could be nearly $200. This version of Windows will be quite limited with only being allowed to run three applications at a time, lower screen resolutions, no live thumbnail previews and limited processor support. Its purpose is for low-cost PCs and netbooks -- but with those systems already costing as little as $300, one has to wonder how a $200 OS will fit into the bill of materials.
The other prices, however, for Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate all seem plausible and we wouldn’t be surprised to see the rumored prices stick. It’s the comparatively high price of the Starter SKU that has us scratching our heads.
See here for Microsoft's reasoning behind having six different editions of Windows 7.
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The new Mac OS X v10.5.6 Leopard $129 (Mac Box Set 169), or the five-user Family Pack $199 (Mac Box Set Family Pack $229) sure makes Microsoft look expensive at retail.
Has for how a $200 OS will fit into the bill of materials for low-cost PCs and netbooks thats easy they sell an OEM version for considerable less than they do at retail.
Who buys retail?
OEM all the way.
Some numpties do buy retail, daglesj. There sure are going to be a lot of people sticking with xp/Vista or pirating if the OEM cost is that kind of silly price too......
i would generally agree that the price of windows is far too much,
should be more like:
Starter: £40($80)
Home Basic: £70 ($140)
Pro: £100 ($200)
Ultimate: $130 ($260)
i might actually buy windows if it wasnt so expensive, i did buy OEM XP but couldnt afford vista.
If you can only afford Starter - you'd be much better off with Linux - (which is free) but thats not my point. My point is, Its not crippled out of the box. I've got 7 windows open now and my machine has only been on for 19mins.
After half a year of using vista I've come to the conclusion that I really don't like it. I don't like the way the desktop works. So I guess I will not like Windows 7. Looks like I'll be with XP for a while and with any luck, in a few years all the open source will be just that much better.