Microsoft to release Windows 7 upgradable versions of Vista

by Scott Bicheno on 19 June 2009, 10:46

Tags: VIP Computers, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

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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.

MS Part Number

Description

66I-03510

Vista Home Premium 32 + WIN7 Upgrade

66I-03525

Vista Home Premium 64 + WIN7 Upgrade

66J-08306

Vista Business 32 + WIN7 Upgrade

66J-08311

Vista Business 64 + WIN7 Upgrade

66R-03056

Vista Ultimate 32 + WIN7 Upgrade

66R-03061

Vista Ultimate 64 + WIN7 Upgrade

 

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.

 



HEXUS Forums :: 15 Comments

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Depending on the price, it might persuade me to actually buy a copy of Windows Vista!

Then again I'm using 7 RC anyway, so it wouldn't be much of a gain to me…
Good idea, I'm interested.
Buying your copy of windows 7 early?

why not!
scaryjim
Depending on the price, it might persuade me to actually buy a copy of Windows Vista!

Then again I'm using 7 RC anyway, so it wouldn't be much of a gain to me…
It won't persuade me, unless it were to look like a cheap way of going Win7, and that I rather doubt. I'd either use the Win7 RC, or just stick with XP and wait for full retail release. Personally, I've never been convinced I needed Vista, and I certainly don't see the need now.
Since installing Sp2 for Vista I've stopped using my Win7RC on my laptop - Its been as fast and no crashes (Win7 bluescreened shutting down). I'll be sticking with Vista for a while yet