October 22, that's the date Windows 7 will hit retail shelves and start being sold on new PCs around the world. While the code will go RTM and be released on MSDN, Technet and undoubtedly every torrent site and warez newsgroup before that date, October 22 will be the first time "normal" people will have a chance to get their hands on the new operating system.

But, do you want to be the first on the block to get a nice shiny boxed up copy of Windows 7? Well, you're going to have to catch a flight to the land down under to do it. Microsoft has confirmed to ZDNet that due to the International Date Line, New Zealand will be the first country in the world where Windows 7 will be widely available.

"Our understanding at this time is that the availability of Windows 7 will 'follow the sun' on Thursday October 22," a Microsoft spokesperson said late yesterday. "As such, we're excited that the first retail sales globally of Windows 7 will take place in New Zealand and Australia as we cross the dateline ahead of other markets."

Still no official word on how much a retail copy of Windows 7 is going to set you back. But if you want to be first, you should plan to tack on at least $2362 USD, the current price for an October round trip ticket on United Airlines from Los Angeles to New Zealand. Your price and mileage may vary.

http://www.neowin.net

Quote:Still no official word on how much a retail copy of Windows 7 is going to set you back

There are some rumors and 'leaked' info however:



According to the image above, Best Buy will offer customers to order a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99 and Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99.99. As far as I'm concerned this is going to give a huge break to today's consumers as they are tightening their pocket books in order to prevail through these tough economic times. So is this really cheaper than Windows Vista? Let's examine the costs.

When Windows Vista was launched back in November of 2006, the upgrade options and pricing were: Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade $129.95 and Vista Business Upgrade was $199.95. With that in mind users who are upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 are going to be saving between 60 and 50% this time around. Now if this is legitimate, I think it's time to say that the tech world and blogosphere alike are fixing to applause Microsoft for making the right decision.

http://www.neowin.net/news/main/09/06/05...de-pricing

Everyone knows Technet and pirates get it first