While Microsoft was not confirming anything yesterday, Amazon got its information directly from Microsoft’s price listings, according to reports.
According to Amazon, the Home Basic version of Vista will cost $199 standalone and $99.95 for an upgrade from Windows XP. Those prices are in line with current XP prices on Amazon.
The Home Premium version, which features the Aero interface and tablet PC compatibility, will start at $159 for an upgrade and will cost $239 for a new installation.
The Vista Ultimate edition, which has some of the features found in the business versions, such as drive encryption and better networking, comes in at $399 new and $259 for an upgrade from XP.
The Business version, which puts the emphasis on security, reliability and mobility, will cost $299, or $199 for an upgrade, the Amazon listing said.
Prices for the UK were not revealed. However, Amazon.co.uk currently sells the XP upgrade package for 94.95 pounds, which at current exchange rates is almost double its US price.
The date given by Amazon is in line with Microsoft’s previous guideline of a January ship date for the consumer version, with enterprises under license getting their hands on it this November.
However, Bill Gates went on the record earlier this year to say there was a 20% chance that Vista would not hit its deadline, and several notable Microsoft watchers have called for further delays, saying the operating system is not quite ready yet.
