Best Buy memo hints at Windows 7 upgrade prices

Windows 7 upgrades will costs significantly less than those of Vista

A leaked memo from US electronics retailer Best Buy has given some indications of the pricing for the forthcoming Windows 7 operating system.

The memo, obtained by Engadget, states that Best Buy will start selling Windows 7 upgrades on 26 June from the company's web site. Windows 7 Home Premium will cost $49 (£31) and Windows 7 Professional $99 (£62), but the offer is open only for 16 days. It adds that other retailers will be offering similarly priced deals.

In what may cause some embarrassment, the memo says that sales staff should not just push Windows 7 as "Vista that works", acknowledging the poor reception of Microsoft's current operating system.

"This new operating system isn't just a 'Vista that works' program. It's a new operating system with improved productivity, functionality and creativity that uses less computer resources," says the memo.

Microsoft has already said that people buying new computers between 26 June and the Windows 7 release in October will be eligible for a free upgrade after the official release of the new operating system.

The pricing is considerably lower than that of Vista upgrades, indicating that Microsoft is looking to get fast adoption of the new operating system from customers. This would help mitigate the effects of the unpopular Vista.