Windows 7 cost for the "big guys"

I see on the internet that Home Premium in an OEM license can be purchased through online retailers for about $120, yet every computer from a major manufacturer comes with Windows already. Unless you are being the OEM yourself, or on the very rare occasion that you can ask for Linux--which often doesn't drop the price for a spec'ed machine anyway. If those don't apply, you seem to automatically get Windows.


So I'm thinking, I'm sure it doesn't cost $120 for the "big guys", but it must cost something. It seems like it's a rather small amount to them, at least the most basic. If a user wants something more, it seems like the manufacturers pass the entire cost to that purchasing consumer.


Thoughts?

 

I'm just guessing, but a Windows 7 Premium license probably costs a company like Dell/HP which sell millions of computers probably in the range of $25-40 per unit.

That's just a guess but when you factor in the costs of the laptops materials, assembly, shipping etc and Dell probably makes on average 10% profit on low end laptops that sell for $449, a license at $120 per unit would kill them.

Again this is all speculation.

 

Actually New egg and TigerDirect is selling Win 7 home premium for 109 a copy, full install

 

Students with a registered college/university email can get windows 7 home and professional for 40 dollars.

 

I think I remember reading somewhere that Microsoft charges 5~10% of the cost of the computer on average.

 

i just recently read an article that stated its about $50 when installed on a $1000 computer.

 

its a numbers game, i think MS sells it for at least 60$ per copy to the company they have Standard Retail Prices per outlet if its retail or online. all on speculation though but the sheer number of windows users MS will still make alot of money

 

There are so many ways to pick up heavily discounted Win7 licenses that the only people who pay full retail are the 'got to have it now' crowd who live in caves with no other human interaction.

 

The cost per license is about right. But according to Harvard Business Review, Dell makes like 3% profit before interest and taxes in the consumer market.

 

if it doesn't cost that much, then you know bill gates isn't running the show

 

MSDNAA (CSS program students) members get windows 7 pro for free
my school sells O/S's for $5-10 for students too

 

Sounds about right. Back in the '90s, I asked a friend working at an office superstore, why software in the clearance bin was nearly 1/10th it's original price. He said "that's what it costs the store."

Kinda explains how M$ got so big and Gates got so rich.

 

Is this offer only for US student?

 

its available for canadian/US/australian/UK students i think there is others but they are the ones i know of... you might wanna look at the other couple of threads specific to this deal...