Just saw this poll on Neowin and thought i'd ask you guys what you think to this.

Personally, i think Windows is overpriced. I won't be able to afford Windows 8 (unless it's under £20) so now use Linux instead of pirating and dealing with all the caveats that come with that.

If money were no object, i'd probably be willing to shell out £100-£120 for Windows 8 (Ultimate) however.

I would chose 100 to 200 pounds (158.14 to 316.27 USD). That's really the norm.

Linux is not as robust, but still usable. Linux don't have many drivers or programs but I think that windows program can be installed in Linux...

I've been trying to tackle it and use it much through VM instead. There's no need to pirate, and it isn't that bad of a price. If it's too much why not use Mac? Is it around $30? (~19 pounds?)

$ 1 just kidding

Which version ?

I think they'll sell in same rate .ie -Windows 7

My crystal ball is not working so cannot specify which version.
Let's say "Ultimate"

you need to Upgrade your Crustal ball

Price ^^ £100-£200

Not to get off topic - but I must disagree on the Linux points. Although software support for consumers sucks on Linux, it is VERY robust. I heard recently that >80% of servers run on *nix.

And the Ubuntu distribution of Linux has equal if not greater driver support than Windows - you install it and it works fine. On every hardware I've ever used.

The problem with Linux is fragmentation and support. There are so many distributions that it makes it difficult to develop and sell software for Linux, and when things go wrong consumers have no one to call.

Back on topic - I would love to see a pricing structure similar to OS X upgrades ($29.99 USD, anyone?) but I doubt that will happen. I'm putting all my chips on MSDNAA for myself to get a free copy (my tuition has to help me somewhere, right?)

Thanks for pointing that out Mike. I have been meaning to make Linux my main OS and use Windows + others in the VM instead. I was concerned on drivers and program reliability on Linux, e.g. Dell V715w printer drivers, and program, plus a plethora of other things. I do honestly know that Linux is becoming more robust if I am not mistaken.

I would have to disagree with the Upgrade features as I NEVER upgrade due to the complex nature of Windows system kernels, code, and it's UI don't always work well. Besides, when I go to reformat, I'd hate to have to go back to extinction to new, which considerably takes a long time to get back in working and up to date state...

With that said, I like that idea, "$29.99 Upgrade" price. MS is ridiculously overpriced for sure...

So, I use Linux in VM instead.... I dislike using OpenOffice, they are garbage, and I like MS Office that I used when I am TA at the college helping students correct papers, as well as the inability to share some documents, files, etc... Yes, Linux is becoming robust as we speak. It's getting better for sure.

Thanks for your input Mike

Printer drivers are a different story on Linux - I know most hardware drivers are covered, but peripherals may not be as widely available.

Try LibreOffice - I use it on OS X and I think it is much more usable and attractive than OpenOffice.

Only on mintywhite can a discussion about the price of Windows get hijacked into a discussion about Linux, Office software and -- well, anything but the price of Windows!

Guilty

Maybe it's because we all already know the price for Windows 8 will be in the hundreds of dollars. Double frowny face.