Windows 7 for £30: Cheap deal for cash-strapped students

Microsoft plans to offer a substantial discount for university students who want to pick up a copy of Windows 7.

Starting 1 October - and for a limited time - UK students will be able to preorder Windows 7 for £30, according to a Microsoft website. In a Twitter posting, Microsoft said US students will be able to get the software for $30.

"This offer is specifically designed for those students who are not planning to purchase a new PC this year but would still like to take advantage of what Windows 7 offers," a Microsoft representative said. Those who order the software will be able to download it when Windows 7 ships on 22 October. Students interested in the deal need a valid university email address.

Students will be able to get their hands on Windows 7 on the cheap (photo credit: Robert Vamosi/CNET News.com)

Microsoft plans similar offers in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Korea and Mexico, though the prices will vary somewhat.

In most markets, the offer will end on 3 January, though it will run for longer in some places, such as Australia, where it will be available through to the end of March.

The offer was noted earlier by Microsoft enthusiast site Neowin.net.

This is the latest deal from Microsoft, which earlier offered a preorder offer to let users buy the upgrade version of Windows 7 Home Premium for £49.99. That deal ended 9 July for those in the UK.

Original article: Microsoft to offer cheap Windows 7 for students from CNET News.com