It's the price that you've been waiting for, but don't wait too long.

ZoomWith Windows 7 official pricing now out in the open, Microsoft is offering a special deal for those looking to pre-order Home Premium or Professional starting tomorrow.

The special offer from Microsoft prices the Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade at $49.99 – a huge savings from the usual price of $119.99. Those looking for the Professional version can get for half price at $99.99 as part of the deal.

The deal will be offered through the Microsoft store online or at select retail partners such as Best Buy or Amazon. Stay tuned to this page for a list of all participating retailers.

Microsoft did say that supplies would be limited, but declined to offer details on just how limited. Given that it’ll be offered both online and in brick and mortar stores, we’re guessing that it’ll be something you’ll want to act on quickly, but not something you’ll need to camp out for.

This program begins tomorrow in the U.S., Canada and Japan. European pre-orders will start on July 15, but Microsoft has yet to announce the full details in those markets.

Don't forget, upgrades invalidate your old Windows key and you can't do a fresh install with it, IIRC.

Are the requirements for 7 much more than Vistas?

I remember reading the reqs were exactly the same. I also remember reading that it's virtually identical in all benchmarks, but that the whole thing feels a lot more responsive.

You call this a discount, I call this paid beta testing. I'll let Win7 marinate for about a year like I do all MS OS and then bite after the first service pack (or two) when everything works nominally.

[goes an plays a DOS game]

You call this a discount, I call this paid beta testing. I'll let Win7 marinate for about a year like I do all MS OS and then bite after the first service pack (or two) when everything works nominally.

[goes an plays a DOS game]

thanks for posting this

And btw I think you can clean install -- you just have to have an existing valid Vista license (which as mentioned will be invalidated)

I'm sorta stuck though because I want/need W7 Pro but I only have Vista Home Premium. So I think I can't use this cuz I have to get the full version. Bleeegh.

Bah whatever. I just ordered the Home Premium upgrade. MS says it won't charge me until it comes out so if I change my mind I'll just cancel it.

I ordered the download version because my tablet doesn't have an optical drive ... how do you install from iso again? >_<

What are the differences between Pro and Ultimate anyway?

According to that wikipedia page, the OEM version - what most people will get on new machines - won't have a changeable wallpaper.

What. The. ****.

If you'd used it for even five seconds you'd shut the **** up. Not to mention, there's a reason DOSBOX exists.