Microsoft announces Office 2011 pricing, upgrade, timeframe
If you’re an Office user and haven’t yet purchased the 2008 version of Microsoft’s productivity suite, Redmond’s got a deal for you. So, if you’ve been eying a new Mac for back-to-school (i.e. don’t forget Apple’s free iPod touch offer), now’s a pretty good time to buy.
Microsoft has announced details for the upcoming launch of Office 2011, including pricing, a special upgrade offer and shipping timeframe, which is euphemistically pegged for the end of October. Given that the 31st falls on a Sunday, Redmond will probably ship on the preceding Thursday or Friday.
There are three versions of Office 2011: Home and Student ($149, installable on up three Macs), Home and Business ($199) and a special volume license version for education ($99). There’s also a single-user license version of Home and Student available for $119.
A look at Microsoft Office 2011 Beta 2
Now, if you purchase a copy Office 2008 starting now through November 30, you will be upgraded for free to the corresponding version of Office 2011. For Office fans with an older Mac that haven’t upgraded to Office 2008, now’s a pretty good time to upgrade your rig and software.
Further, if you buy a new Mac via the Apple Store for Education — K through higher education students, teachers and administrators, as well as moms and dads are eligible — you can get a free iPod touch from Apple. Also, any Mac purchase on the Apple Store, including Education, is good for a free (after rebate) printer.
Lastly, although you can purchase Office 2008 from the Apple Store or direct from Microsoft ($149.95), there are better deals available via MacMall, Amazon and other online third-party resellers.
