According to a leaked memo, from Best Buy, the former online based marketing portal, is going to start pre-selling Microsoft’s Windows 7 operating system from 26th of June, this year in the US. The retailer confirmed this leaked news and said that they will start selling Vista pre-installed laptops and computers, and consumers can upgrade them for free, when Windows 7 comes in october. The popular tech updates portal, Engadget, has posted a copy of the same memo on their site.

The upgrade versions of the Windows 7 Home Premium should be retailing at around $49 and the Professional one should be roughly around $100 (*Note: As an UPGRADE PACKAGE), both of the packages should be available on the Best Buy website. The memo

Engadget has published a copy of the memo here. It outlines prices for upgrade versions of Windows 7 Home Premium ($49) and Windows 7 Professional ($99), both of which will be available via the Best Buy website. The promotional run, according to the memo, should last for a maximum of 16 days, which is sure to create a lot of ruckus.

Image Courtesy: CNet News

It looks as though the prices listed may in fact be promotional offers, as according to the memo the program will only run for 16 days. Best Buy quoted:

“Microsoft is launching Windows 7 in mid-October 2009. 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,”

This piece of quote shows how relieved the retailer is to finally get rid of the unwanted OS, Vista and embrace the new Windows Seven with open arms. At the same time, Microsoft confirmed the talks about rubbishing the plans of putting “Vista Capable” stickers on the computers which are worthy enough to get upgraded to Widows 7. Instead they should be moving on to “Windows 7 Ready” stickers soon. If you’ve used the RC1 or it’s previous BETA cousin, you surely would’ve hated Microsoft for not enabling the “Upgrade” option on it’s installation discs. But again, rumor has it that it’s readying the Windows 7 Upgrade option program, but not much info on it was let out.

The company also didn’t take the pains to note that any computers that had pre-installed OSes as Windows Vistas, will those be capable enough to run Windows 7 too.Microsoft’s official date for Windows 7 release is 22nd October, this year and hopefully, should have a much better response than it’s predecessor.. Only hopes are high at the moment, only hopes.

For TechMirage,
Pranav Shirodkar