For folks desperate to get their hands on Vista, the next version of Windows (due out... whenever...) Amazon's US site now appears to be taking advance orders. On the UK site, one can register one's interested, and be emailed when the software is available.
Amazon's Web site reveals that the company has started taking pre-orders for different versions of Vista, priced between $100 and $399. While prices of upgrade Vista versions - as disclosed on the Amazon Web site - start from $100 for Windows Vista Home Basic; $239 for Windows Vista Premium; $299 for Windows Vista Business; up to $399 for an ultimate version; prices of corresponding newer versions are cited as $199, $159, $199, and $259 respectively.
Amazon has confirmed that they have been taking orders for the past two or three weeks, and that that prices indicated have been taken from the latest price list provided by Microsoft. Amazon initially claimed that Vista will be available from January 30 onwards, but have now said that this is an estimated date based on informal conversations with Microsoft. Microsoft themselves, however, maintain that pricing and release date for Vista is not as yet finalized. Now there's a surprise.
From the Amazon UK website:
Windows Vista brings clarity to your world, so you can more safely and easily accomplish everyday tasks and instantly find what you want on your PC. Explore entertainment, such as TV and music, on your Windows Vista-based PC like never before. And with Windows Vista, you'll more conveniently stay connected to the people who are important to you, from home or while on the go.