A number of prospective buyers are upset at the absence of a cheaper upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, accounts suggest. While those moving to Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional may be eligible for Microsoft's discount program, a copy of Ultimate is currently only available at the full $220 price, even if a person already owns Vista Ultimate. "Vista Ultimate owners have already been ripped off once in paying for basically worthless 'Extras,'" says corporate IT worker Lindsey Mundy. "Now to rub salt in the wound, MS is leaving them out...for some reason best only known to them, when offering a reasonable upgrade price for Windows 7."

Should a buyer want a less expensive upgrade from Vista Ultimate, the option does remain to choose Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional. A full installation of the new OS is required, however, meaning that important files must be backed up, and applications reinstalled. Microsoft has responded to criticism by suggesting that more discount plans may be in development; buyers have until July 11th to participate in any of the present pre-order deals.