Now that Windows 7 pre-orders are being sold for a big discount, Computer World is reporting that buyers are flocking to take advantage of these discounts, and that Windows 7 pre-orders already claimed Amazon"s top sales spots for software.
As of 1:30 PM ET, Windows 7 Home Premium, selling for $49.99 has claimed the number one spot of Amazon"s bestseller list, while the Professional edition, selling for $99.99 has claimed the number two spot, and the Ultimate edition, selling for $219.99, and not having a discount claimed the number four spot.
The pre-order deals starts today, and goes through July 11 or while supplies last. Microsoft has declined to comment on what kind of cap it had in mind for these pre-order discounts. Customers in the US can pre-order Windows 7 from the Microsoft Store, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Frys, Newegg, Office Depot and Tiger Direct. Customers in Canada can pre-order from Microsoft, Amazon.com, Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, Staples and The Source. Most of these stores are even including free shipping and will deliver Windows 7 on release day, which is October 22nd.
Microsoft has said that Windows 7 upgrades can be purchased and used by users running Windows Vista, Windows XP and even Windows 2000. However, Windows 2000 and XP users must do a clean install of the OS, while Vista users can do an in-place upgrade.
Analysts have criticized Windows 7"s pricing, but are praising the pre-order discounts. "The $49 initial price is a nice reward for loyal customers. But the "real" upgrade pricing is way off for what the market will likely bear, especially during these economic times." said Michael Gartenberg, an analyst with Interpret.