You heard it right Windows 7 is now available from your closest retailer in Australia.
For once Australia gets something early thanks to our position on the International Date Line.
Unfortunately the prices are fairly steep compared to the rest of the world.
| Product | AU | US (AU) | UK (AU) | ||
| Windows 7 | |||||
| Upgrade | |||||
| Home premium | $199 | $119.99 | ($129) | £79.99 | ($141) |
| Professional | $399 | $199.99 | ($216) | £189.99 | ($336) |
| Ultimate | $429 | $219.99 | ($236) | £199.99 | ($354) |
| Standalone | |||||
| Home premium | $299 | $199.99 | ($216) | £149.99 | ($265) |
| Professional | $449 | $299.99 | ($322) | £219.99 | ($389) |
| Ultimate | $469 | $319.99 | ($345) | £229.99 | ($407) |
The above table (source) shows that we pay a fair amount more for our software than our counterparts in other parts of the world, in some cases it is claimed that we pay five times more for our software.
Personally I think it’s because our market in general is smaller than the likes of the US or the UK meaning overall less units will be shipped so retailers have to make up losses somehow, though having worked in the field of computer retailing I’ve seen my fair share of dodgy pricings.
Anyway, good to see Windows 7 being rolled out and thus far I’m pretty happy to part with my hard earned cash for this release of Windows.
