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2009/08/03 04:17 PM 

Microsoft also said it would offer discounted upgrade pre-orders for a limited time.
Those who purchase a PC with Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate at participating retailers will get a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it becomes available.

Microsoft have announced that it will provide both an upgrade path and full products of its new flagship, Windows 7. The following are expected prices in the USA.

Upgrade retail products

But don’t get your hopes set on these prices. Pricing for Windows 7 in South Africa has not been finalised The product will be available in six different editions, but only Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate will be available for retail in most countries.

According to Microsoft, their flagship Windows product, Windows 7, has been costing the company money. Microsoft announced that it plans to change this when it settles on pricing for the new Windows 7 operating system. And emerging markets will probably be hardest hit.

CEO Steve Ballmer said that Windows pricing has cost the company 4% this year. Something they plan to fix.

Ballmer blames much of the loss on the fact that Microsoft cut its prices in emerging markets, mainly to counter piracy and increase revenue. "The theory was wrong," he says. "And you will see us address the theory in the Windows 7 time frame. We're going to readjust those prices north, so to say.”

If I understand this correctly, South Africa being an emerging market, we might be one of those countries that will bear the brunt of Microsoft's 4% loss. With the pricing not being set yet, this is still speculation. But I wouldn't be surprised if we end up paying a whole lot more for Windows 7.

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