According to the Gadgetwise blog, Microsoft has set prices for its much anticipated Windows 7 operating system due for release in October.  Plus, if you buy a new PC with Windows Vista now, you get a certificate for a free upgrade to Windows 7 when it is released.  Microsoft also announced substantial 50% discounts for those in the U.S. and other markets who pre-order Windows 7 on or before July 11.

Here are the Windows 7 Prices:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (Upgrade): $119.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Upgrade): $199.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Upgrade): $219.99

And the estimated prices for the full Windows 7 package are:

* Windows 7 Home Premium (Full): $199.99
* Windows 7 Professional (Full): $299.99
* Windows 7 Ultimate (Full): $319.99

But remember, a preorder by July 11 gets you Windows 7 Home Premium for $50 or, more useful for the law office, Windows 7 Professional, for $100 while supplies last.  This would make sense if you have a recently-purchased computer with hardware adequate for your office tasks and therefore don’t plan to buy a new PC when Windows 7 is released, yet you don’t care much for the Vista OS that came preinstalled on your existing computer.  It’s a good deal if you don’t mind paying up front for something you won’t see until October.