Nearly all reviewers can agree that Windows 7 is a better operating system than Windows Vista – and now initial sales numbers are adding another victory under the new OS's belt with data showing that it is selling much better than Vista did at time of launch.
According to NPD Group sales data, Windows 7 sales were 234 percent higher for retailed boxed editions than for Vista in the initial releases of both products.
Windows 7 sales have also brought in 82 more revenue than Windows Vista. The mismatch between the increased unit sales and revenue is from the lack of promotion of Windows 7 Ultimate.
"Ultimate was a much bigger part of what Microsoft did with Vista, whereas this time I think they not only kept the price very high, but really kept the focus on the Premium product and the Premium three-pack," explained the author of the report, NPD's Stephen Baker, to CNET News. "Most of the promotional fire that they've put out there has been focused on those, for example, 'Buy a computer, get a $50 copy of Home Premium.' The pre-sales were all pretty much focused on Home Premium."
The top selling Windows 7 SKUs, in order, are:
1. Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade
2. Windows 7 Pro Upgrade
3. Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack 3 User Upgrade
Sales of Windows 7-based PC hardware, however, were six percent below that of Windows Vista during its launch. This was attributed to the differences in the market during launch (October vs. January) and the large percentage of Vista-equipped machines still on store shelves during Windows 7's release. Regardless, PC sales during the week of Windows 7's release were the highest throughout the entire third quarter.
