I've had enough of vista and decided to try windows 7

I go to the site and choose download - 7 ultimate is $220 but when I try to buy I'm directed to the UK site where the price is 199BP - I select Australia as the country and I'm presented with an upgrade price of ...$429 Australian - and remember this is for a download!

I've heard all the arguements about shipping costs & import duties & the exchange rate but this is a blatent rip off

Just to add salt to the wound I find windows 7 upgrade on a DVD at $185US from B&H - I'm buying from them!

The cheapest way to buy Windows (legally) is when it is OEM bundled with new computer hardware.

Andrew

Keep in mind that the OEM versions you must purchase system-specific (32 or 64 bit). They only come with that disc. The retail version comes with both discs. OEM is much cheaper though, but to be legal you have to purchase it with qualifying hardware.

Yowza - up until Jan 5 Win 7 Professional was only $29.95 for anyone here in the U.S. who had access to an academic email address for the download.

This article offers few reasons, but at least you know you're not alone:

Why is Windows 7 so expensive in Australia? | News.com.au (http://www.news.com.au/technology/why-is-windows-7-so-expensive-in-australia/story-e6frfro0-1225789970152)

Don't buy an OEM version. You will be able to install it on only one computer. If you ever scrap that computer, and build another, your OEM copy won't qualify for recertification by Microsoft on the replacement computer.