Microsoft Matches Snow Leopard Price With Windows 7, But Only for Students

Microsoft yesterday launched a Windows 7 campaign website announcing a discount program aimed at college and university students, bringing the cost of Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional for eligible customers down to $29.99 to effectively match Apple's Mac OS X Snow Leopard pricing. The offer, which expires January 3rd, 2010 is valid for the download version of Windows 7, and users wishing to purchase a physical disk will be required to pay an additional $13.00.

- You qualify if you have a valid .EDU e-mail OR an e-mail address through one of the educational institutions listed here.
- You are enrolled in coursework, current proof or enrollment may be required in the United States.
- Your PC is able to run Windows 7 - use this tool to check. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

Microsoft's full terms and conditions note that students must be actively enrolled in at least 0.5 course credits at the time of purchase and may be required to provide proof of enrollment. As noted on the Windows 7 Team Blog, pre-orders are available in the US immediately, with the UK to follow on September 30th. Students in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Korea and Mexico will be able to take advantage of the program once Windows 7 launches on October 22nd.

At its October 22nd launch, Windows 7 will carry much higher non-promotional prices of $119.99 (upgrade) and $199.99 (full) for the Home Premium edition, $199.99 (upgrade) and $299.99 (full) for the Professional edition, and $219.99 (upgrade) and $319.99 (full) for the Ultimate edition. A comparison of the various versions is available to assist customers in deciding which version is right for them.