Best Buy later this month will launch a program in which buyers of new Windows Vista PCs will get free upgrades to Windows 7, according to a leaked company memo.
Engadget on Friday posted a copy of the Best Buy memo, which includes a backhanded slap at Windows Vista and describes how Microsoft's Windows 7 Upgrade Option Program will work.
"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," reads the memo.
Starting June 26, customers that buy new PCs with Vista Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate versions will get a free upgrade to Windows 7, in a deal that also applies to standalone software purchases. Through its Web site, Best Buy will also pre-sell a Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade for $49.99 and a Windows 7 Professional Upgrade for $99.99 until July 11, according to the memo.
Solution providers might find it interesting that the memo asserts that Best Buy's Geek Squad services will give the company a competitive advantage over other retailers offering Windows 7 upgrades.
Microsoft will officially launch Windows 7 on Oct. 22, and earlier this week said it will let retailers and OEMs offer Windows 7 upgrades to customers as it did during the run-up to Vista's launch.
Microsoft has yet to reveal what it'll charge for the six different Windows 7 SKUs, but has reportedly already shared pricing information with OEMs and retailers under non-disclosure agreements, and could make that information public sometime in mid-June, according to the Malaysian technology enthusiast blog TechARP.
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