Microsoft has provided a recommended retail price (RRP) for the consumer and small business SKUs of Windows 7 after retailers jumped the gun on the software giant's official New Zealand price announcement.

Windows 7 will be officially launched on October 22 but until now, Microsoft has kept the New Zealand RRP for the software close to its chest.

Today, a Microsoft spokesperson told PC World that the RRP for the consumer-oriented Home Premium edition would be $389.95 for the Full Package Product, or $249.95 for the upgrade version (which upgrades Windows Vista to Windows 7). The Professional edition, which incorporates improved networking and encryption features and is aimed at small business users, had a RRP of $599.95 for the FPP or $499.95 for the upgrade version.

The release of the RRPs follows a decision by retailers including Computer Lounge, Ascent Technology and Playtech to release their prices for Windows 7 on their websites.

The spokesperson said he did not believe Microsoft would have any problem with retailers' decision, even if they had beaten Microsoft to the punch.

"Because the price is set by retailers and not by Microsoft, it's the retailers call when they put out prices."

Prices could drop and become even more competitive around the time of the New Zealand launch, he said.