How much will Shiny new Windows 7 cost me?

If you are a netizen, you have surely heard the buzz – Windows 7 is here and for the first time Microsoft OS release is creating noise for all the right reasons.

But most of you must be wondering how much is the Shiny new Windows 7 going to cost – so here is some heads up.

If you have recently bought a PC/ Notebook / Netbook with Windows Vista on it, you must not be too happy, what with now need for and upgrade – but worry not, Microsoft has not forgotten you. Read on..

Windows 7 Full Retail Price in India

Again, Microsoft has bought some cheers to people living in India – Windows 7 is going to cost you 20% less than the cost in USA. From Microsoft’s point of view I think this is a good move. They need to curb the rampant piracy in India, which is pegged at 68%. Even if they are able to reduce this margin by 5%, their 20% discount here in India will be more than covered (although, I doubt it will make any difference)

• Windows 7 Home Basic – Rs. 5899 /-
• Windows 7 Home Premium – Rs. 6,799 /-
• Windows 7 Professional – Rs. 11,199 /-
• Windows 7 Ultimate – Rs. 11,799

*Note – These prices are excluding Tax / Home Basic available in India only/ approx prices (Source)

The cost of same packages in US are:

• Windows 7 Home Premium – $199.99 (Rs. 9375/-)
• Windows 7 Professional – $299.99 (14,062/-)
• Windows 7 Ultimate – $319.99 (15,000/-)

Windows 7 Upgrade Price in India

Here are the approximate upgrade prices if you are running a Vista or XP currently on your system.

• Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade: Rs. 4500 /- ( $119.99 in US)
• Windows 7 professional Upgrade: Rs. 7,500 /- ( $199.99 in US)
• Windows 7 Ultimate Upgrade: Rs. 8250 /- ( $219.99 in US)

(Source)

And here comes the Fantastic news for people who have bought their PCs or Laptops pre-loaded with Vista after June 29th – You are actually eligible to receive and upgrade at little or no cost (provided you have bought your system from participating PC Manufacturers)

Here is what Window 7 site has to say:

How to receive your Windows 7 special upgrade Offer

"The upgrade fulfillment method may vary by PC manufacturer. When you buy a qualifying PC from a PC manufacturer that has chosen to participate in the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program, you’ll generally need to fill in a form and follow a few steps to order your upgrade copy of Windows 7. "

You are lucky if you have bought from following PC Manufacturers:

• Acer
• HP
• Toshiba
• Dell
• Lenovo
• Wipro
• HCL
• Sony

Essential details

When you buy Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate either as a packaged product or on a qualifying PC you can get a comparable upgrade version of Windows 7 after it’s generally available on October 22, 2009.

Qualifying PCs, offer details,,and product delivery methods will vary by manufacturer, so check their sites for specifics. If you buy a packaged copy of Windows Vista you can order your upgrade from Microsoft.

The Windows 7 Upgrade Option program runs from June 26, 2009 through January 31, 2010. However, individual PC manufacturers may choose to offer the option for a shorter period.

Here is a caveat: This upgrade offer is not available to people who have opted for Vista Home Basic, Vista Starter Edition and Windows XP all editions !

Like I have mentioned earlier, I am impressed with whatever I have experienced with Windows 7. Its lightweight compared to Vista, yet with loads of extra features and with special consideration to User friendliness – So what are you waiting for?