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The Windows 7 operating system would be out in around 3 weeks and as such pricing details are expected to roll-out. The OEM prices have already rolled-out and it seems the discount which was early given during the initial pre-order discount promo is still in effect. It is not clear though whether these discounts come from Microsoft or are shouldered by sellers to boost their hardware sales.
In any case, US retailer Newegg.com has already posted various Windows 7 OEM prices where they highlight over 50 percent in savings if you buy now. The full copy of Windows 7 Home Premium OEM is available for $ 99.99 USD, which is indeed almost 50 percent the retail price of $ 199.99 USD.
The full copy of the Windows 7 Professional OEM is priced at $ 134.99 USD, another big savings from the original $ 299.99 retail price. The Windows 7 Ultimate OEM can be had at $ 174.88 USD against the original $ 319.99 full retail price.
OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturers where the software is sold for installation on self-built systems by these vendors. Typical sales would require the sale of both the hardware and the software. In this case, Newegg doesn’t require you to buy a hardware which means they are using the discounted OEM price to get people on their side, and from there they talk you into getting their hardware.
The OEM software doesn’t come with the full package of Microsoft boxes and comes with limited support.
Image from Windows 7.
What’s nit clear? The OEM software has always been near half the price if retail box. No support, plus you cannot move it to new PC later (legally).