Ugh... I don't know... This might almost be cheap enough for me to consider buying it. Considering that I do have an XP license I could get the upgrade, I just wish that the upgrade allowed you to do a clean install as well (i.e., asking you for both your XP key and your 7 key to verify you're actually eligible for upgrade, but not making you install XP first).
I know I'll upgrade my main version, the price isn't terrible but it's not what I hoped either. The hard call will be my second license for my MacBook Pro.
Here's an excuse.... the half off US pre-order is for the upgrade versions only apparently. If they'd offer the full version for half off pre-order I'd be all over a copy of Pro for 150 bones.
Well... I've been informed by a coworker that the Upgrade version should (historically speaking) allow you to do a clean install. You just have to pop in the previous versions CD to verify that you actually own it.... I guess I'll be pre-ordering some Win7 Pro after all. 100 dollars isn't a bad investment especially if this one lasts as long as XP did.
Mt_GoatHead Cheezy KnobPflugerville (north of Austin)Icrontian
edited June 2009
I just looked at the Microsoft Store site. Yes the upgrade versions of Home Premium and Professional are being offered at the reduced preorder prices right now. Right now Ultimate is not being offered at a reduced prerelease price. You can purchase it as a "ship to", "download", or "download and backup disc". So Microsoft has listened and is offering this as a download purchase if you so desire. I could only see 32 bit and did not see anything about the 64 bit versions anywhere.
The only answers I've been able to find so far as to if the pre-order is 32 or 64 bit goes something like this. The Home Premium and Professional versions only come in 32-bit. Once everything is released, however, you can order a 64-bit disc (only have to pay for shipping) and your license that came with your 32-bit copy will work for it. Ultimate supposedly comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit media. Please note, this is something I saw in a forum and not straight from Microsoft so I don't know how reliable the information is.
The media contains both x86 and x64 installation files; when you download it later, you'll also be able to pick one or the other and trim your download.
I feel like haggling in a car dealer looking at the Windows flavors and prices. I will not be surprised if they come up with extended warranty plans and long-term financing options
Just a little additional info from the tech net/partner track.
The half off is only until Jully 11th or while supplies last. they actually have put a limit on how many pre-orders each reseller can do so don't wait until the last minute.
Windows 7 Ultimate is not like Vista Ultimate. The only advantage of Win7Ultimate is drive bitlocker and the ability to work in multiple languages. There aren't any extras anymore so for most people professional will be the version to get.
Snarkasm
Madison, WI Icrontian
Comments
I'm not averse to the pricing. I think I'll get a copy.
InfoWeek
Update: Well then, maybe so.
The half off is only until Jully 11th or while supplies last. they actually have put a limit on how many pre-orders each reseller can do so don't wait until the last minute.
Windows 7 Ultimate is not like Vista Ultimate. The only advantage of Win7Ultimate is drive bitlocker and the ability to work in multiple languages. There aren't any extras anymore so for most people professional will be the version to get.