Microsoft to release Windows 7 upgradable versions of Vista

Please keep buying

Now that Microsoft has announced the Windows 7 launch date of 22 October, it's fair to assume there won't be much demand for new systems with Vista pre-installed.

In a bid to limit the extent of a lull in PC sales between now and the launch, Microsoft is releasing six new Vista SKUs with a free upgrade to Windows 7.

Phil Bowery, Microsoft product specialist at distributor VIP, contacted HEXUS.channel to share this news with our readers. He expects to have stock from next Monday, 22 June.

The new SKUs cover Vista Home Premium, Business and Ultimate, in both 32 and 64 bit forms, and will be upgradable to the equivalent versions (Business=Pro) of Windows 7.

They will come with a voucher detailing how the end-user can register online for the upgrade (which will be live from 26 June) and are expected to cost around £10 extra to cover shipping. Bowery wasn't able to reveal Windows 7 pricing, but from this we assume its going to be pretty similar to Vista.

Do you think this will be effective? Are you now more likely to buy a new system prior to the launch of Windows 7? Let us know in the HEXUS.community discussion fourms.