Windows Vista and Office 2007 Launched

Microsoft’s Windows Vista operating system and Office 2007 suite, the company’s two flagship products, are available starting today for consumers worldwide.

Major laptop PC vendors such as HP, Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba have already started to sell Vista-powered computers. The purchase of a laptop with Microsoft’s new OS may increase the unit’s overall price when compared to the same notebook with Windows XP. However, the impact of preloading Vista on a system’s price vary depending on particular vendor.

In retail, Windows Vista is available in different flavors such as Home Basic ($199, upgrade $99), Home Premium ($239, upgrade $159), Vista Business ($299, upgrade $199) and Windows Vista Ultimate ($399, upgrade $259).

Some of the online retailers offer the special Vista-related discounts and deals. Also, the OEM versions of the new operating system are available, with prices significantly lower than prices of retail packages.

It was reported earlier that people buying certain Windows Vista certified computers until March 26 2007 with Windows XP preinstalled are qualified to get a voucher for a free or discounted upgrade to Windows Vista.

Except the 32-bit Windows Vista, there is a 64-bit version available. The Vista 64-bit can be obtained in retail package only if you purchase the Ultimate Edition of Microsoft’s new operating system. According to the online retailers, Windows Vista Basic, Home Premium and Business ship only with 32-bit DVD, which also contains information on obtaining the 64 version, while the Vista Ultimate comes with both 32-bit and 64-bit DVDs.

Microsoft Office 2007 is available in retail in five flavors and corresponding upgrades, with prices in range from $149 to $679.