Windows 7 upgrade options from Vista Ultimate pre-installed on Dell in November?

I'm just looking for information / opinions on how to get the best deal for an upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate. I purchased my Dell Latitude E6500 direct from Dell USA Small Business on 2008-11-04, and shipped on 2008-11-21. It was pre-installed with Windows Vista Ultimate.

I've seen that systems purchased more recently (~June or July) qualify for a free upgrade from Vista to 7. I'm guessing there is nothing to qualify me for such a free upgrade, but considering that I haven't even had this system for a year yet, should there be any other upgrade discounts or specials available - either through Dell, directly from Microsoft, etc.?

Especially with the scores of users who claim that Windows 7 is really just another service pack to Vista, and with Apple offering their latest OS upgrade for a mere $29, I would certainly hope I'm not looking to pay the $219.99 as listed at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/buy/default.aspx - the same price as if I had never purchased Vista and upgraded a 7-year-old XP installation instead.

I'll plan on doing a clean installation regardless, so the availability of any "upgrade-in-place" option is not a concern.

Thanks!

 

If you bought it that oong ago, you are out of luck.

Microsoft does provide $30 Window 7 upgrade disks for students. So buy a box of Ramen noodles and go bribe some students.

 

Besides assuming that this isn't completely legal, I don't think this is valid for the Business and Ultimate editions. I'm looking for any other valid, legal options that are < $219.

I don't believe I'm completely "out of luck". $219 is the MSRP, so I'm sure I can probably find something even less than $200. Less than $100 would be much more doable. I'm sure there are many other users in the same situation.

 

You didn't purchase vista separately from your system...so how does your argument make any sense? And considering the Apple Tax on hardware, you're actually paying much more than the $29 at retail. There's nothing wrong with Vista either on your system, you just lucked out.

 

I'm not trying to make an argument, just trying to find the best options. Considering how many users and posts I see here around Windows 7 already - before it's even been released, I'm really curious how everyone has obtained their copies. (I know there was the RC opportunity, but it is only 100% functional until March 1st.)

I do plan on calling Dell's sales department tomorrow, just to see how much it would be to purchase the upgrade through them, if nothing else.

 

You could purchase an OEM copy through Newegg.

 

Windows 7 Ultimate will probably be around $200 I'm guessing for the upgrade.

 

It's $219. The prices are available on Newegg.com

 

Do you really need Vista Ultimate? It's exactly Professional + Bit-drive encryption. Professional edition HAS Media Center and everything that Home Premium has (unlike Vista for it's Buisness edition).

- Microsoft did a crazy pre-order special a few months back (on Home or Pro)
- Microsoft offer OEM disk of Win7 which is cheaper then Vista
- Microsoft allow students to buy Win7 Upgrade (Home or Pro) for 30$
- Microsoft makes Win7 available via MSDNAA for students for free.
- Microsoft made a launch party special. Make a WIn7 Launch party and get Win7 Ultimate edition free with a chance to win a 750$ computer.

What else can you ask more out of Microsoft? If you miss all these chances, and the current ones, then don't complain.

Sorry no further special. See what I said above.

Really? They say that? how about USING both Vista and Win7, and you will see that Win7 is a OS of it's own. And not a "should have been" or "Service pack", instead of looking at screen shots.
If you are not happy with this, no one forces you to upgrade to Win7. You can stay with Vista.

To enjoy the 29$ upgrade you need:
- an Apple Mac
- Mac OS Leopard (any older editions are not eligible for the upgrade)

Considering that you pay the OS in your Mac already, and that the full price is 169$ and that you have no guaranty that it will install the 64-bit version because of a hardware related issue version... it's not much a real deal.

 

GoodBytes - thanks for the information. Unfortunately, as I'm no longer a student, the $30 upgrade and MSDNAA are not options.

True, I probably could get away with Professional. For that matter, I could get away Linux for free. I just want to have Ultimate available on my primary laptop so that when questions arise from others, I have the same software available to assist.

Thanks again!