Windows 7 - delay from releasing RTM to Retail

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Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#40095 25-Aug-2009 12:36

Hi,

I'm kinda frustrated because I'd love to go out and purchase the retail version of Windows 7 today if I could, but know it won't be available until end of October. I don't have any way to get the RTM version via legitimate channels either.

So I have a question for those with a better grasp on software development than I. Why is there a 3 month delay between the release of the RTM version and retail versions of Windows 7? I know there must be a valid reason, but would like to know why.

Cheers.

wonderferret

137 posts

Master Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#250344 25-Aug-2009 13:19

RTM is just that, release to manufacturing. The boxes still have to be manufactured, DVDs created, supply channels filled, advertising campaigns run etc. Also a lot of companies haven't finished producing Windows 7 versions of their applications as they were waiting for the final code to be released by Microsoft as well.

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freitasm

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Geekzone

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#250411 25-Aug-2009 16:14

Plus printing all the CoA (Certficate of Authenticity) for retail and OEM, plus training, etc.

There isn't any magical thing that can be done to get bits from a computer to a retail store in record time.

There's online sales and distribution but those are not available everywhere.

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Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#250454 25-Aug-2009 18:30

Thanks guys. I still want it now though :)

johnr

19282 posts

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Inactive user

#250458 25-Aug-2009 18:35

A little boy waits.................lol

_Allan

153 posts

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#250515 25-Aug-2009 21:32

I've been running Windows 7 RTM now for about 2 weeks and I am very impressed! It?s rock solid and the memory footprint is considerably less than the Vista OS I had set up before!
I'm not telling you this to rub salt on the wound? Only to say you will be very impressed when you finally get the product.
As the other have explained - they have to get the software out to every city in the world, so that on release date every shop has a healthy stock supply, as they figure you are not the only one waiting!

__Allan

JKRNZ

56 posts

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#250523 25-Aug-2009 22:01

Hi Satch, you could get Win 7 RTM from Technet along with Office, etc.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-nz/subscriptions/default.aspx

arnies

491 posts

Ultimate Geek

#250632 26-Aug-2009 11:02

I got Windows 7 RTM free just from being an Engineering student at victoria University.
Vic Uni is a MSDNAA subscriber

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#250640 26-Aug-2009 11:50

Loving W7 here.

T7700 Core2Duo laptop, 2GB ram, I have 900MB free and I am running:

iTunes
Skype
Softsqueeze
Google Talk
Outlook 2007
Internet Explorer 8
2 x RDP sessions
Citrix client
Windows Explorer x about 20
Terminal window
Taskmgr
Xmarks
Antivirus

All eye candy turned on, playing MP3's (plus a seperate audio stream on mute so I can monitor our music server for the masses), and a WiFi connection, and a Bluetooth connection.

Vista was struggling badly coping with that lot, and Windows 7 just feels as snappy and responsive as it did at clean install time with no apps.

Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#250644 26-Aug-2009 12:15

JKRNZ: Hi Satch, you could get Win 7 RTM from Technet along with Office, etc.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-nz/subscriptions/default.aspx

Thanks but it is a little too expensive for my needs, plus I wouldn't be testing it. I got a free copy of Office 2007 from Microsoft via the HUL making the Technet deal all that less sweet again.

And thanks to everyone else for rubbing it in ha ha. I guess I'll have to stick with the W7 RC for another two months.

Satch

1985 posts

Uber Geek

#250645 26-Aug-2009 12:23

I had read about this http://www.xpmediacentre.com.au/2009/08/windows-7-free-120-days/ previously, but now that Microsoft are openly giving consent to do so, how does one get their hands on the RTM?

I'd be happy to install the RTM on my HTPC and rearm it every 30 days until I can purchase a retail key. But short of downloading a potentially dodgy copy from a torrent site, how would one get their hands on the RTM less serial key?

RustyGonad

495 posts

Ultimate Geek

Trusted

#250647 26-Aug-2009 12:34

Satch - Sent ya an email...