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Does your laptop qualify for a free Windows 7 upgrade?

By Darius Chang

With the recent announcement of upgrade programs from various vendors for machines bought after June 26, it's safe to buy a Vista machine now since it can be upgraded to Windows 7 later. Or is it? Turns out that not every PC is eligible, while some vendors require a fee for the upgrade. Moreover, if your laptop runs on Vista Home Basic or Windows XP, you are out of luck as they are not eligible for the upgrade programs. The exception is if your Windows XP Professional machine was officially downgraded from Windows Vista Business or Ultimate Edition, as you can still use your Vista licence to participate in the program.


Windows 7 upgrade paths.


To help you decide if it's prudent to grab the machine of your dreams now or wait till the October 22 launch of Windows 7, we have compiled a list of vendors offering upgrade programs and eligible machines. As the release of Windows 7 is still some time away, more laptops may be added, so click on the provided links to the specific manufacturers' for the latest updates.

Vendor
Eligible machines
Fees
Upgrade program Web site

Acer
Selected models from the TravelMate, Aspire, Extensa, Veriton, Prestige and Gaming range. Free for selected countries, handling and delivery charges otherwise. Link

Asus
B, F, G, K, M, N, P series and more. Free for selected countries, handling and delivery charges otherwise. Link

BenQ
To be announced To be announced To be announced

Dell
Inspiron, Studio, XPS, Adamo, Optiplex, Latitude Precision. Handling and delivery charges apply for consumer models. Free for business machines. Inspiron, Studio, Adamo Inspiron XPS, XPS

Vostro, Latitude, Latitude Precision

Dell Windows 7 upgrade FAQ

Fujitsu
LifeBook A1120, A6220, A6230, P1630, P8020, S6520, S6420, S6421, T2020, T1010, T5010, U2010, U2020 and Fujitsu L1010. To be announced Link
Order for upgrade kits will be available from July 17.

HP/Compaq
Pavilion dv2, dv3, dv4, dv6; Pavilion tx series; TouchSmart PC IQ800, IQ5XX; Pavilion Elite Edition E9000, p6000.

Compaq CQ35, CQ40/45, CQ60/61, CQ70/71.
Surcharge for material, shipping and handling. Link

Lenovo
All Idea and Think systems. Surcharge for material, shipping and handling. Order for upgrade kits will be available from July 15.

LG
To be announced To be announced To be announced

MSI
GT series: GT627, GT628, GT725, GT729, GT735, GX620, GX630
X series: X320, X340, X400, X600
Others: EX623, EX625, EX630, PX600, CR600, CR700, CX600, CX700, VR220
Handling and delivery charges apply. Link

Sony
AW, CS, FW, G, JS, LN, LV, NS, NW, P, SR, TT, Z series. BZ and TP range are not eligible. The upgrade kit comes in two discs: Windows 7 upgrade and Windows 7 drivers and utilities. Charges apply. Link

Toshiba
Satellite: L510, M300, M500
Qosmio: F50, G50, X300
Portege: M800, M900, R600, A600, M750
Tecra: A10, M10
Handling and delivery charges apply. Link


Tags: Microsoft Windows 7, Laptop Computer, Dell Computer Corp., Microsoft Windows, Dell Latitude

 

 

    Talkback
kcslchin says...
Why all the charges? Can't just download from manufacturers' website or Microsoft website for free????

 
 
pilotspeed says...
Yes..why is there a charge? I hope that the manufacturer could do us a favour by giving out free via its website, man!

 
 
snowbell0219 says...
I guess in Microsoft's view , FREE only happens in consumers' dreams ......

 
 
Cyberpandaaz says...
Gateway laptop also got free window 7 upgrade if brought on june 26 and after but got shipping fee of 20.21$ to ship to singapore

 
 
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