Microsoft looks ahead to Windows 7

The official release of Windows 7 is still months away, but Microsoft continues to reveal information about its much-anticipated Windows Vista replacement.

When the OS launches on Oct. 22, the Home Premium will have a Family Pack, allowing owners to install a single copy of the OS on three different PCs in the house.  Exact pricing of the Family Pack is unknown, but ZDNet’s Ed Bott expects it to cost in the neighborhood of $189, which will make it $10 cheaper than the Apple Family Pack.

Microsoft has also left Windows Vista Ultimate users frustrated by the limited-time cost to pre-order Windows 7, with pricing at $49.99 for Windows 7 Home Premium and $99 for the Professional upgrade.

It should be interesting to see what consumers think of the price of Windows 7, as a couple different analysts have stated that the pricing is too high.  NPD Group VP of Industry Analysis, Stephen Baker, noted late last month that the $119.99 base price of Windows 7 Home Premium — after the limited-time sale — is too much in this struggling economy. Microsoft hasn’t outlined plans of what will happen if sales falter, but it’s possible Home Premium pricing could drop to $109 or $99 if consumers aren’t willing to pay $119 for the upgrade.

Windows Vista, a well-hyped OS from Microsoft, left many PC users frustrated with a sour taste in their mouth, as so much more was expected from the XP replacement.  Despite six different versions of Windows 7 expected to make a debut this fall, beta testers and analysts have been pleased with the beta and RC candidates of the OS.

A brief FAQ has been posted by PCWorld, which should help clear up some confusion related to Windows 7.

As a reminder to any Windows 7 Beta users, Microsoft wants all of us to switch to the Windows 7 Release Candidate — you likely already have noticed, as a shutdown sequence is initiated every two hours if you’re using Windows 7 Beta.

Will you upgrade to Windows 7 when it launches on Oct. 22?