Microsoft: Vista will cost same as XP

Microsoft Corp.'s long-delayed upgrade of its flagship Windows operating system will cost the same as comparable versions of the previous version, Windows XP, the company said Tuesday.

The software maker also said Windows Vista remains on track to be delivered to businesses in November and to consumers in January.

Microsoft priced Windows Vista Home Basic at $199, or $99.95 as an upgrade for computers already running the consumer version of Windows XP. Microsoft is hoping most consumers will go for Windows Vista Premium, which will come with entertainment features like the ability to record live television. That version will cost $239.

Windows Vista Business will cost $299; the company set the price for upgrades at $199.