Leaked Best Buy Memo Hints at Windows 7 Upgrade Pricing
Posted 06/07/09 at 04:13:30 PM by Justin Kerr
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Engadget has gotten its hands on what it is calling “a leaked internal memo” which outlines Best Buys plans for the roll out of Windows 7. In addition to giving us the timelines for free upgrades, it also spells out pre-order plans, and a look at the new pricing model. The memo which describes Windows 7 as “Vista that works”, will first be made available for pre-order by customers on June 26th.
Home Premium upgrades will start at $49.99, while the professional edition will be sold at $99.99. These prices (if true) are significantly more reasonable than Vista upgrades which started at $129.95 for Home Premium, and $199.95 for Business. Pre-ordered copies won’t ship until the official October 22nd launch date, but at least this guarantees you the pricing shown above.
In addition to pre-order sales, Best Buy also outlined its “Technology Guarantee Program” which will allow people who obtain copies of Vista after June 26th to receive a free upgrade. According to the memo, this will apply to both new PC sales, and retail copies bought separately. If this is true, this might be a good way to upgrade your PC to Windows Vista for next to nothing in the months leading up to 7’s release.
The moral of the story here is that if you were planning on buying a new PC from Best Buy, you should probably hold off until June 26th. If the contents of the memo are legitimate, this will likely be a painful lesson for Best Buy who will probably find it much more difficult to sell new PC’s for the next couple of weeks.
So, what do you think of the new upgrade pricing?
Great Job! not.
Submitted by dcdannyf on Tue, 06/16/2009 - 9:17am
They should offer the Win7 upgrade for free, not pricing it to get some cheap money off of people. Ask Bill Gates to lend $$$ to support the lab costs! Very bad choice Microsoft. BIG Danny :)
Chill, dude
Submitted by alanmc76 on Wed, 06/10/2009 - 6:23am
Wow, might I have struck a nerve?
That's a lot of hatred and anger you seem to have let loose there. Feel any better?
I suggest taking something for the ulcers you are undoubtedly causing yourself.
Submitted by alanmc76 on Tue, 06/09/2009 - 3:21pm
Hyphenud,
Small words from a small mind, attacking that which it does not understand.
Those who can not refrain from personal attacks on friendly forums are compensating for their lack of masculinity in the "real world". Just couldn't help it could you?
Now in response to the accusations of supposed spyware. That's why they call it a BETA!!! Did you even read the license agreement? You were agreeing to be part of a Microsoft test group. They want feedback on all sorts of different platforms, hardware, drivers, software, etc. That's the whole point, genius! And for the online activation. Would you rather call "Mike" in India every time you reload your machine? Not me, I have more important things to do than sit on the phone repeating a 36 digit activation code, thanks. But then again, the torrented version you downloaded probably didn't work too well, and that could also be the source of your malware problems.
Go back to your corn chip strewn cave in your mother's basement and take solace in your own little world.
Wrong Again AlanMentalCase76
Submitted by periodhyphenund... on Tue, 06/09/2009 - 10:02pm
Windows 7 RC directly from MICROSOFT "IS" spyware !
XP-SP3 and Vista retail versions are spyware as well but Microsoft does not call them BETA!!!
Yes I read the End Loser Licencing Agreement! Did you?
No I do NOT activate over the Internet and I do NOT call Mike in India to activate ANY Microsoft product! Do you?
I do not violate the DMCA or any other Copyright Laws, nor do I Violate any Legally Uninforcible Licencing Agreements from Microsoft by installing copies of Windows that Microsoft defines as "Illegal"
When Microsoft Stole the patents and copyrights to protect Windows from theft, it's copyrights and Licencing agreement become NULL and VOID!
You should pay attention to the News more often as Microsoft was just fined over $300 Million Dollers for doing just that!
The only Illegal copies of Windows are the one's that Microsoft sells to Losers like you!
Snowleopard, $29 upgrade.
Submitted by jcollins on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 9:07pm
Snowleopard, $29 upgrade. I wonder if MS is feeling the pinch now?
I wonder what Copernico will
Submitted by nekollx on Tue, 06/09/2009 - 3:38pm
I wonder what Copernico will do when they run out of Big Cats to name the OS after.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Submitted by jcollins on Sat, 06/13/2009 - 7:35pm
Probably go to other critters.
All talk
Submitted by Cityscape on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 5:02pm
That's all talk. I don't belive it would be that cheap, at least not with M$.
I now have Ubuntu Linux which costs $000.00, now that's a deal!
Submitted by armada439 on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 2:57pm
I'm still gonna wait for SP1.
bit version?
Submitted by metaLtil60 on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 2:25pm
Is all windows 7 versions going to be 64-bit now or are those prices for only 32-bit???
Submitted by B.A.Frayd on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 11:35am
I don't believe that pricing structure. Not gonna happen. This is a bogus story.
If Microsoft started
Submitted by Denis63 on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 10:54am
If Microsoft started lowering their prices on older Oses (by that, i mean XP) then i would feel bad torrenting my OS, but windows never seems to go down in price. video cards go down in price, so do motherboards, but Windows XP is still 150 bucks, as it was 3 years ago. it appears to be the ONLY piece of a computer that never gets cheaper. is enabling disabled stuff in your OS illegal too? microsoft didn't want you using Aero in Vista basic, but you made it happen, oh no, you should of gone out and spent your hard earned money on another copy of what you already own!
</rant>
Submitted by alanmc76 on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 10:36am
Here's to hoping that Microsoft has come to their collective senses.
A kick-ass OS at a decent price would go a long way toward improving the public opinion. It would also help in their crusade against piracy by making it affordable.
Submitted by periodhyphenund... on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 2:18pm
Removing Internet Activation and all the Spyware inside Windows 7 would go a long way toward improving the public opinion Also!
But that won't happen so only Incompetant Boobs would ever use this crap!
Ummm...Thats YOU!
Submitted by Oedipus_Rex on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 10:22am
I just need to know which version will have Microsoft Tinker and Hold 'em poker included. o_O
Home Licensing
Submitted by nsvander on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 10:08am
This is a good price, but I think MS still needs to realize that there are a lot of people out there with more then one machine, I have 4 at home, and I have RC1 running on all of them, I would love to see a Home Licensing option, were you buy the OS for a certain price and can install in on up say 5 machines, like a corporate site license, but better pricing for the home user.
Reasonable, it should acelerate adoption
Submitted by Baer on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 9:18am
Reasonable, it should acelerate adoption I believe. I love Win 7. I was not that unhappy with Vista but then I have powerful computers. Win 7, with a decient computer is amazing and even with a wimpy computer is performs well.
These prices should greatly speed up adoption of Windows 7.
Submitted by billcipp on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 7:43am
OK, maybe Microsoft has seen the error of their ways and have decided to lower the price because they are nice guys and gals.
But let's get real and think about this for a second. It is an improved version of Vista, not a complete revamped os. So how much did it cost them to invent. Now how much does the plastic case run? And the disc? What do you think that sets them back? And the burning to disc?
Now how many XP users would they like to convert? Economy is a little tough! Can they sell more by lowering the price? Would I buy at those prices?
You betcha! I think they are pretty damn smart!!! And if this is not true, maybe they need to read this comment.
Now if Best Buy has some brains they would change the date from the 26th to now. What a bunch of nice guys; oh but you have to buy a computer don't you? Smart!!!
Submitted by periodhyphenund... on Tue, 06/09/2009 - 12:43am
I do appreciate that they are listening to the feedback though....
I was complaining too loudly that Windows 7 was stealing your decryption keys whenever you created an encrypted disk with a secure (Non NSA approved) encryption program and was getting Blue screens saying that
THE CONTENTS OF RAM HAVE BEEN SAVED TO YOUR HARD DRIVE
LETS CONNECT TO THE INTERNET AND FIND A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM
Well, Microsoft takes your feedback seriously and may indeed Stop Popping up that irritating Blue screen that warns you whenever your Decryption Key is going for a ride on the Information SuperHighway to places unknown!
Thanks but no thanks!
You'll have to pay me a lot more than $49.99 to screw me That Hard!
READ THE END LOSER LICENSING AGREEMENT KIDS!
Submitted by bob818 on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 4:46pm
I am currently dual booting xp and windows 7. I don't mind window 7 at all. I like it and will use it for the 64 bit features for CS4. I hope pricing is consistent. I know people will want 7 when it is released, but remember it probably won't make a significant difference until the first service pack is released. I'm sure, however, I'll be running out for it and then come back here and whine why a program or driver doesnt work...lol!
Submitted by Monguse on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 3:31pm
Well if true , so far it sounds good. I just want to know the price for all the vesion as I have Vista Ult. and might get one version of Win7 Ult, and the rest would be a cheeper version. Guess I'll just have to see what the final price turns out to be.
I think this pricing is
Submitted by Tekzel on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 3:08pm
I think this pricing is unlikely, however awesome it would be. One can hope though, with the economy like it is, if MS were to bring the price down it might entice more people to upgrade that would otherwise just keep "what works". For multi PC homes it can get prohibitively expensive to upgrade OSes, I have a desktop with vista, and my netbook with xp, as well as my wifes XP box that I would like to upgrade, but at the normal $130 bucks for an upgrade that would just be impossible. If the home premium were only $49.99, it would take some working but I could get it done.
But, I just don't believe that price will turn out to be even close to accurate.
Submitted by szore on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 2:34pm
I'm gonna get it for FREE off of Bittorrent.
Submitted by hendo_s on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 1:24pm
Why BitTorrent? Warez-bb.org and other trustworthy community oriented warez sites will stand you in better stead, virus-wise. Also, to everyone below this whinging about thieving programs, and OSs, be quiet. Without hackers and leechers, we'd probably have half the amount of Beta testers. I used the 7000 build of Windows 7 (the Beta) and used the 'Send Feedback' option when necessary. Now I'm running the RC1, and guess what? I'll steal the full version when it comes out. Go cry to someone else.
Well, I hope you enjoy
Submitted by Caboose on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 8:56am
Well, I hope you enjoy using your computer for a week before it shuts down on you constantly, or you get a copy thats infected, and you become part of a botnet.
Moron!
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
Submitted by LordPyro on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 5:43pm
Its bastards like you that deserve to have their fingure chopped off for stealing.
Pirating is the exact same thing as walking into best buy and taking that same peace of software right out the door without paying for it.
Would you kindly?
Submitted by Justin.Kerr on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 2:46pm
I don't suppose this article would scare you straight would it?
http://www.maximumpc.com/article/news/torrented_windows_7_rc_helps_build_botnet
Better yet, I don't suppose
Submitted by I Jedi on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 2:58pm
Better yet, I don't suppose moral conscious plays a key role up in the brain when thinking of stealing from people, does it? :/
Submitted by nightkiller on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 5:18pm
Places like Bittorrent and Pirate Bay exist simply to test what the market price is for their mother.
You choose a flightless bird as a mascot and wonder why it doesn't take off?
Submitted by I Jedi on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 12:42pm
It doesn't make it right in either case, just because the "price" of a product is too high for someone to either afford or cough up. There are other alternatives out there, such as Ubuntu, that offer similar products for no price at all. I believe, though, that one NEVER steals from someone else. That's just me, though.
Submitted by nekollx on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 4:13pm
Amen, at least when i "steal" softwhere I already own a legal copy, but it's got some bug that makes the cd unplayable (scratchedm securetrojen bricking hardrives, have a pc but bought the mac version by accident and can't return it, etc)
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Surprise?
Submitted by jwalch.hawk on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 2:06pm
Yeah, the author quoted source content terribly out of context - if you follow the link, it says pretty much just as "The Relic" claims it does.
That aside, this is somewhat surprising news, as previously speculation was that Windows 7 was going to be *more* expensive than Vista as reported here.
I sure as hell ain't complaining if Microsoft's gotten wise and cut us some slack on the price. Windows has always been severely overpriced and this would be a step in the right direction. I'm not saying it should be free like most Unix/Linux distros, but the prices we're used to are just absurd.
EDIT: Had to manually put in the break tags for some strange reason - did putting in the URL make it do that?
Submitted by I Jedi on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 3:00pm
Yes, I looked at the price and thought it was way cheap. These are just upgrades, though. So, I'm sure the price for a regular version of Windows, non-OEM, is going to cost sky high.
Vista may have workd for
Submitted by yogurt80 on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 1:54pm
Vista may have workd for most ppl after SP1, but I still have issues with it. It takes longer to boot than my old XP rig, and the vista home prem. 64bit I have on my lappy can't handle Adobe cs4 very well. Win7 in super fst, and the most user-friendly OS I've used.
That being said- the upgrade prices look nice, but I'll dtill wait and get an OEM disc from the egg. I'd rather pay the extra $ and have the full version, since I'm sure I'll want to re-install eventually.
Submitted by The Relic on Sun, 06/07/2009 - 1:36pm
I read about this memo about 3 days ago, and as for the "Vista that works" crap, it claimed that it was "not just "Vista that works", but a new operating system", which is crap, since Win 7 is based on Vista. And Vista worked just fine after SP1. XP didn't get to it's current exalted position til' SP2, which came out in 2004, 3 years after it hit.
However, even given the ignorance of the note's author, I am liking Win 7 RC very much (have it as a dual boot with XP on one machine and a dual boot with Vista SP2 on this one), enough that if this pans out, I will certainly be trying to get it at Best Buy (not because of the "Geek Squad" hooey, since they are as necessary to me as tits on a bull), but because I have $15 worth of their coupons, just begging to be used on something.
The reason the Best Buy memo
Submitted by theplustwo on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 6:27am
The reason the Best Buy memo says Windows 7 is not just "Vista that works" is not that they are implying that Vista doesn't work or that Windows 7 is not based on Vista. It's training material for their sales representatives, and they're simply discouraging their sales staff from presenting Windows 7 to customers as "Vista 2.0." Rather, they want their sales staff to focus on the fact that Windows 7 is a "major" OS release and not just an incremental upgrade, thereby implying that it is worth paying to upgrade, and not just a Vista service pack.
Submitted by Radiogrrl on Mon, 06/08/2009 - 4:15pm
You're exactly right about the way this was written. I'm a former Best Buy employee, and there's no question in my mind that this is legit, not only because it looks like it was pulled directly off the company's employee website, but also because the writing style and format is a perfect example of how BB carefully presents their employee news blurbs in a way that encourages employees to think about certain things the way the company prefers.
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