As soon as Windows 7 came available for pre-order on the 15th July, Jennifer and I secured our copies. We have now pre-ordered two FULL copies of Windows 7 Home Premium (E) for £65 through Amazon.co.uk – £32.50 per copy. Okay, we used a free gift voucher from Be to claim more money off, but nonetheless it's still a bargain.
The demand for Windows 7 has been such that the pre-order price has now gone up to £80 for the Home Premium edition. When Windows 7 is finally released, it'll go up again. But why? Why have Microsoft's operating systems always been so damn expensive (especially the Ultimate editions of Vista and 7)? In comparison, Apple's OS X have been cheaper, have no activation restriction (with the one exception being OS X Server). You're forking out a fortune even before you've added any useful applications other than the media players, gimmicky games, and web browser (and even then, Microsoft have taken that out of the European edition of Windows leaving the user to use another computer or magazine cover disc to install one – they didn't have to do this, but Microsoft seem to be sticking fingers up at the EC commission at the expense of their customers).
If I had my way, Windows 7 would be completely free for existing users of Vista who have had to endure a very long time for an operating system which now promises to live up to being a good one.
MS is offering free Win7 but of course conditions apply,the eligibility for Windows 7 Upgrade Program will start on July 1st, 2009
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2009/01/20/free-upgrade-to-windows-7-program-for-windows-vista-pc-from-july-1/
https://windows7upgradeoption.com/Landing.aspx
I would suggest that OSX is cheaper and needs no activation because you have already bought the £900+ Apple “dongle” that allows you to install it. Of course both are a lot more expensive than Linux
One of my machines had Vista installed, I wouldn’t say I have “had to endure” anything… Have you tried Vista or are you going on other people’s experience?