Microsoft pushes premium versions of Vista

Seems nice enough

Today, Microsoft is set to announce that, for the first time, users will be able to purchase its Windows OS by downloading it over the Internet.

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One day RSA will enter the 21st century Internet and introduce high speed broadband. And also make it affordable.

Hmmm, might work hosted on SA based servers and uncapped local bandwidth... Just need to get the uncapped local bandwidth sorted out...

And then the pricing - what size will the download be? 1G? With my ISP that would work out at about R70-R135 (shaped/unshaped) on a soft capped acct.

I might pay that... Is it cheaper to buy the online version? Do I have to buy the upgrade DVD separately and pay the same license online.

I'm happy to let the 'early adopters' find all the bugs and problems before I go this route. Probably will get Vista if/when I get a new PC, not sure I can be bothered with the heartache of upgrading... Ubuntu and XP will do be fine for now!

Microsoft will allow a customer to pay $79 for a product activation key for that upgrade rather than requiring that customer to go out and purchase the edition at full price, which for Home Premium would be $159

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That already looks a rather attractive reduction in price. MS may just see a notable reduction in how many people choose to pirate their OS.

The Windows Vista Family Discount allows a customer who buys the retail boxed version of Ultimate to purchase digital licences for Home Premium for $49 each that can be installed on up to two other PCs in the home, Mannion says. As mentioned before, the suggested retail price for Windows Home Premium is $159.

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At first glance this looks really appealing. howver, let's look at what this breaks down into ...

Retail version of Windows Vista Ultimate = $499
Plus Digital licence for 2 Home Premiums = $49 + $49
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Total of = $597

Retail version of Windows Vista Home Premium = $159
2 additional Home Premium box purchases = $159 + $159
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Total of = $477

Granted in the first scenario one pc would have all the bells and whistles, but when one looks at it in the South African context of exchange rate conversion, plus additional marketing / profit margins, SA consumers are looking at spending R4999 ($597 @ R8.374 to $1) for scenario 1 vs R3999 ($477 @ R8.384 to $1) so clearly a full R1000 saving by opting not to use the Family Discount.

Also, regarding the ability to now download the new OS - we know that each new version requires more space and if the download version is the same as that on the DVD (ie. full software restricted by Licence type) then who in their right mind in South Africa is prepared to exceed their 3Gb monthly allocation in roughly one day (line speed / consistency depending) by opting to download? I'd rather buy the DVD any day in the event I build a new pc or my current one breaks down.

What's the price difference between Vista Ultimate and Home Premium expected to be? What is in Ultimate that you don't get in Home Premium?