Microsoft has been taking its sweet time hopping on the digital download train - until now. Starting January 30th, Windows users will be able to download both Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. Hopefully Microsoft won’t just take the MSRP of a boxed copy of Vista and slap it on the digital version. For not exchanging any kind of real materials, users should get a discount or incentive to make them want to download more titles from Microsoft. Users can also upgrade to better versions of Vista via a button in the Start menu. An upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate will set you back $260.
It goes without saying, that Mac users need not apply.
Microsoft Plans Downloadable Versions of Windows Vista, Office [Information Week]
I think cost of goods for packaged software is something like $2.50 a box. Digital download systems of this scale aren’t exactly free. Not sure what the pricing will be though..