Vista Family Values

Microsoft launched Windows Vista this week and now you can buy it in 39,000 retail locations around the world, but you already knew that. 

And you already knew about the flavors of Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate.  Of course.

And you also already knew about the “Windows Vista Family Discount” right?  No?  Let me enlighten you:

“Enjoy the security, performance, and entertainment capabilities of Windows Vista throughout your home. Purchase the Windows Vista Ultimate retail boxed product, and you can upgrade up to two additional PCs in your household to Windows Vista Home Premium for only $49.99 ($59.99 CAD) each.* Order online, and within minutes you’ll be ready to upgrade your computers at over 60% off the estimated retail price!”

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsv…

Let’s do the Windows Vista Family Discount math (street prices / US dollars):

  • Vista Ultimate Upgrade + 2 ea. Home Premium Upgrades
    $249.99 + 153.99 + 153.99 = $349.97
    (Plus tax, shipping, etc.)

So how does pricing on the Windows Vista Family Discount stack up? 

Let’s compare:

  • Family Discount vs. 1 Ultimate & 2 Home Premium Upgrades
    ($349.97 vs. $249.99 + 153.99 + 153.99 = $557.97)
    Family Discount is $208 cheaper
  • Family Discount vs. 3 Home Premium Upgrades
    ($349.97 vs. $153.99 + 153.99 + 153.99 = $461.97)
    Family Discount is $112 cheaper
  • Family Discount vs. 1 Ultimate & 1 Home Premium Upgrade
    ($349.97 vs. $249.99 + 153.99 = $403.98)
    Family Discount is $54 cheaper

Verdict?  This is a SWEET deal because you can upgrade to Vista on three computers in your home cheaper than two computers.

Unfortunately, Microsoft is having fulfillment problems with the product ID keys.  So you might want to key an eye on that news story before taking the plunge.  But when they get the kinks ironed out people will be saving some serious dough.

And before anyone emails me…

  • Family Discount vs. 2 Home Premium Upgrades
    ($349.97 vs. $153.99 + 153.99 = $307.98)
    Family Discount is $41.99 more expensive
    (But you’re getting an extra Ultimate for that $41.99)
  • Family Discount vs. 1 copy of Vista Ultimate
    ($349.97 vs. $249.99)
    Family Discount is $99.98 more expensive
    (But you’re getting 2 Home Premium upgrades for that $99.98)
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