It is my opinion that there has been more controversy over Windows 7's pricing than any other aspect of its coming launch - especially with Apple to offer Snow Leopard upgrades for $29. If you act quickly, though, you have an opportunity to snag a copy of Microsoft's upcoming operating system free of charge.

The company is hosting The New Efficiency launch events across 25 US cities between September 28 and November 9 of this year for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, and Exchange 2010. Attendees will receive a free copy of Windows 7 Professional. Granted, that doesn't consider travel costs but registration and entry to the event is absolutely free.

Have a look at the event dates, times and locations after the jump (via Ars Technica).

  • Developer Windows 7 Track (9:00am - 11:35am):
    • Optimizing Your Application for Windows 7
    • Creating New and Exciting Users Experiences - Part 1
    • Creating New and Exciting Users Experiences - Part 2
  • Developer Windows Server 2008 R2 Track (9:00am - 11:35am):
    • Windows Server 2008 R2, What's New and What's Changed
    • Windows Server 2008 R2, Build Solutions that Scale Beyond 64 Processors
    • Windows Server 2008 R2, Enterprise Network Solutions
  • IT Professional Windows 7 Track (1:15pm - 4:45pm):
    • Introducing Windows 7 and the Windows Optimized Desktop
    • Make People Productive Anywhere with Windows 7 and the Windows Optimized Desktop
    • Manage Risks through Enhanced Security and Control with Windows 7 and the Windows Optimized Desktop
    • Streamlining Deployment of Windows 7
  • IT Professional Windows Server 2008 R2 Track (1:15pm - 4:45pm):
    • What's in Windows Server 2008 R2 for IT Administrators: A Technical Overview
    • What's in Windows Server 2008 R2 for IT Administrators: A Technical Overview Part 2
    • New Server Deployment and Migration
    • Windows Server 2008 R2 Virtualization Technologies - Savng IT Costs
  • IT Professional Exchange 2010 Track (1:15pm - 4:45pm):
    • Introducing Exchange Server 2010
    • Exchange 2010 Voice Mail enabled by Unified Messaging
    • Exchange 2010 High Availability and Storage
    • Exchange 2010 Archiving and Retention

Simply choose a city to get started: