According to a report in the Inquirer, Microsoft leaked the Canadian price-list for Windows Vista on their own site. Microsoft covered up the pricelist shortly after it was leaked; however, the pricing for some copys of Vista were noted down. Windows Vista Ultimate -- the definitive version -- was listed at $499 (Canadian dollars); this converts to around $450.583 US Dollars or £236.572 Pounds Sterling.

Currency conversions correct as of 2006.08.30 14:01 UTC; Source XE.com

Furthermore, Mircosoft's leaked price for Windows Vista Home Premium is listed at $299 CA/$270.020 USD/£141.794 GBP. Whilst, Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade is similarly priced at $299 CA/$270.020 USD/£141.794 GBP, while Home Premium Upgrade's leaked price was $199 CA/$179.712 USD/£94.3815 GBP.

These prices are not too much higher than those XP sells for right now; and when one considers there may be discounts which could be useful for those with legitimate copys of Windows XP. Then the prices for Vista are reasonable. Finally, one must remember the vast majority of Vista sales will be to OEMs where the pricing is not such a deterrant as it is to the enthusiast.

The only price gripe one can have is with the Ultimate version. Windows XP Professional retailed for $300 USD at launch in 2001, so a hefty discount would be needed to bring Vista Ultimate's pricing back in line with inflation.

Here is a pricing list to help you compare the differences (all prices Canadian)

Full Operating System

::Windows Vista Ultimate $499

::Windows XP Professional w/SP2 $429

::Windows Vista Business $379

::Windows Vista Home Premium $299

::Windows Vista Home Basic $259

::Windows XP Home w/SP2 $259

Upgrade Editions

::Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade $299

::Windows XP Professional w/SP2 Upgrade $259

::Windows Vista Business Upgrade $249

::Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade $199

::Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade $129

::Windows XP Home w/SP2 Upgrade $129

Would be just fine if the discount was $50...