Well, as the topic said! But it's just a rumor from Tech ARP. Read more below.

Tech ARP - The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.1

Also, for those looking for Windows Upgrade details... Here's a lifehacker link.

Windows 7: Windows 7 Upgrade Details for XP and Vista Users

After July 1. It has been fairly widely reported.

Assuming that Windows 7 will not end up an Ultimate Extra for Vista, the only way to get Windows 7 for free will be to buy a Vista computer after July 1. In other words, if you purchase a computer with Vista preloaded on it, from July 1, 2009 through January 31, 2010 (OEMs can choose to have an even shorter time frame within the one Microsoft gives), you will have the option to upgrade to Windows 7 for free when it becomes available.

Upgrading to Windows 7: what XP and Vista users need to know - Ars Technica

Another report:

Report: July 1 kick-off for Windows 7 free-upgrade program still likely | All about Microsoft | ZDNet.com

There’s more evidence that if you’re in the market for a new Windows PC and can wait until July 1, you might as well do so if you are interested in getting a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it ships.

From all the beta testing that's been going around, would it be possible (perhaps even plausible?) that a Vista Laptop would perform better when it's upgraded to Win 7?

Somehow, I seem to feel that there are less negative hype on Win7 than on Win Vista.

I can only offer my opinion which is yes.

7 is faster and more driver friendly.

It also has a smaller footprint.

Due not only to functionality but also to lawsuits (mostly EU) many programs embeded in Vista become options (free) in 7.

The user has much more control of the OS.

Again just my personal amateur opinion.

*checks bank account* I'll probably have enough money saved for a Win7 PC when Win8 comes out Lol.

I am however hoping that maybe, just maybe, my Vostro 1500 can support it smoothly.

Seattle PC builder beats Microsoft with free Windows 7 upgrade offer


Launches free Vista-to-Windows 7 upgrade program to tempt hesitant buyers

excerpt

February 27, 2009 (Computerworld) A Seattle-area PC seller will offer free Windows 7 upgrades to customers who buy new Vista-powered machines starting next week, beating Microsoft Corp. and its biggest hardware partners to the punch by months.

Puget Sound Systems Inc., an Auburn, Wash.-based system builder that sells PCs nationally, will launch its own Windows 7 upgrade program next week, said Jon Bach, the company's president, today.

"This is completely independent of any Microsoft [upgrade] program for Windows 7," said Bach.

Beginning next week, Puget customers who purchase PCs that cost at least $1,000 and are equipped with the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista Ultimate will be eligible for a free upgrade later this year to the 64-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate. During a Friday interview, however, Bach said Puget would consider also offering upgrades from Vista Home Premium to Windows 7 Home Premium.

"We're seeing more and more people who are hesitant to purchase a PC because they're hearing good things about Windows 7 and wonder whether they should wait three-fourths of a year before buying," said Bach, explaining why Puget is jumping into the upgrade offer. "We see this as an opportunity to do something exciting when there's not a whole lot of things happening in the business at the moment."

It also has a smaller footprint. The user has much more control of the OS. just my personal amateur opinion.

Man if I didn't know this was a Windows 7 thread I'd swear you were describing a Linux distro.LOL

Yeah. Some things not included that might surprise previous Windows users are:

1. MSN Messenger

2. E-mail service

3. Movie maker

However these are all free to download as per your choice.

They still bundle IE (IE 8) to some peoples chagrin.


I happen to think IE is the best browser available but it should not be bundled.

This is a different topic tho so if you are interested in that please start a new thread.

Is there an official release date yet?? and i wonder how much it is... cos I have the beta, I think its amazing, but I don't want a new PC, only just built this, So I'm thinking of buying the retail version when it comes out.. But if its more cost effective to buy a new pc..? i dunno