Market research company, NPD, has some interesting figures for Windows 7 vs. Vista. Based on measurements for the week of October 18-24, 2009, Windows 7 boxed unit sales, including pre-orders, were 234 per cent higher than Vista's first-week tally.
“Microsoft’s program of early low-cost pre-sales, high visibility marketing, and aggressive deals helped make the Windows 7 software launch successful,” said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD. “In a slow environment for packaged software Windows 7 brought a large number of customers into the software aisles.”
Revenue, though, was 'only' 82 per cent higher, with NPD citing pre-order discounts and a lack of promotional activity for the higher-cost Ultimate version.
The best-selling Windows 7 SKUs were all upgrade packs, NPD noted, with Home Premium selling for an average $76, Professional for $147, and a three-users Home Premium upgrade for $149.
Did you buy Windows 7 on or near launch day? How much did you pay? Is it worth it?
