Show Entire Article
Microsoft is to sell the standard home-user version of its new Windows 7 operating system for 8 percent less than the comparable version of its Vista system, as the global downturn hits spending on technology.
The world's largest software company, whose recent ads champion low-priced PCs against more expensive Apple [ AAPL 224.45 
+0.61 (+0.27%) ] computers, said the new system will be available at even lower prices for a short time, as it looks to tempt buyers ahead of the holiday shopping season.
The new operating system, which Microsoft [ MSFT 29.38 +0.09 (+0.31%) ] hopes will be a bigger hit than the poorly received Vista, will be generally released on Oct. 22. It will be available on pre-order from U.S. stores such as Best Buy, online retailer Amazon.com and the company's own website from Friday.
Microsoft said it would sell the Home Premium upgrade version of Windows 7 — which most non-business customers already using Windows will want — for $49.99 from Friday until July 11 in the United States. The discs would be shipped after general release.
After July 11, the pre-order price will be $119.99, 8 percent less than the current $129.99 price tag for the comparable version of Vista, which cost $159.99 at launch in early 2007.
Page 1 of 3 | Next PageShow Entire Article
More Top Stories