NeoWin is reporting that Windows Vista’s launch prices were leaked thanks to Microsoft Canada. The leaked page has since been pulled, but not before some eagle-eyed people picked up the prices and spread them around the web.
The prices look set to be quite high for a lot of the ‘premium’ features Microsoft is pushing in the form of Windows Vista Home Premium Edition (’premium’ is certainly right). Prices to follow (in Canadian dollars and then my conversion to USD and GBP). Note that these prices might differ depending on the market - for example, traditionally we Brits are charged more. Let’s hope that isn’t true for Vista.
- Windows Vista Home Premium (Full) - C$299, US$269.15, £142.28
- Windows Vista Home Premium (Upgrade) - C$199, US$179.09, £94.67
- Windows Vista Ultimate (Full) - C$499, US$448.62, £237.08
- Windows Vista Ultimate (Upgrade) - C$299, US$269.15, £142.28
Also, The Register has prices for a couple more editions:
- Windows Vista Home Basic (Full) - C$259, US$233, £123.17
- Windows Vista Business (Full) - C$379, US$341, £180.21
Obviously, these are the retail prices and OEM versions bundled with new PCs will enjoy a significant saving - plus most PC buyers are blissfully unaware of the price they pay for Windows anyway.
Still, these prices to me seem very bloated, especially as some of the main features Microsoft are pushing are only available in Home Premium - which is a significant step up.
