Need Windows 7 for 50 Percent Off? Order an OEM Copy

Popular retailer Newegg.com has listed the OEM prices for Windows 7, which will be offered at less than half what Microsoft will charge for a retail copy.

Newegg hasn't listed any prerequisites for buying the OEM version, such as the purchase of any additional hardware. Past OEM copies have prevented users from taking advantage of Microsoft's support options, however, and the packaging and instructions are usually minimal.

For those willing to forgo the additional perks, however, the price may be worth it. Microsoft pursued a similar strategy with Windows Vista, charging "system builders," or anyone building a PC, about half of what it asked retail buyers to pay. Of course, that's nothing compared to the huge preorder discounts that Microsoft offered in September, when it offered a preordered copy for as little as $29.99.

According to a Newegg product page, a full 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 7 Home Premium will cost $109.99; with a $10 preorder discount that expires Oct. 20, Newegg will lower the price to $99.99. Normally, the upgrade price of Windows 7 Home Premium would be $119.99, and the full retail cost is $199.99.

The 64-bit version of Windows 7 Professional OEM will be priced at $139.99; for this version, Newegg will only offer a $5 discount, bringing the price down to $134.99. At retail, the upgrade and full versions of Windows 7 Professional would normally cost $199.99 and $299.99, respectively.

The OEM, 64-bit version of Windows 7 Ultimate, meanwhile, will be priced at $174.99. Newegg again will offer a discount of $15, good through Oct. 20, and bringing the price down to $174.99. Normally, the upgrade and full versions would cost $219.99 and $319.99 at retail.

A three-pack of Windows 7 Home Premium OEM will cost $309.99, while a three-pack of Windows 7 Ultimate OEM will cost $549.99. Newegg did not advertise a price for the three-pack version of Windows 7 Professional OEM.

Windows 7 ships to retailers on Oct. 22. While reports have circulated that Windows 7 may chip early, Microsoft said that users will probably receive Windows 7 when retailers do.