We knew that subscription-based software solution from Microsoft was quite imminent. Microsoft finally opened-up on their new software subscription bundle called Microsoft Equipt. Every Equipt license comes with the latest version of Microsoft Office Home and Student Edition 2007 and Windows Live OneCare antivirus software. It will be launched somewhere around mid-July in over 700 Circuit City stores in US.
It will cost $69 per year, which works out to be just $5.75 per month. Sounds like a reasonable price for something which retails for $110 (Microsoft Office) + $30 (Windows Live OneCare subscription/year). Plus, you’ll always get the latest version of the software in your package.
Your single Microsoft Equipt license work good in three computers, so if you actually break it down by per-PC, it cost sounds really reasonable. I’d be happy to see Microsoft Equipt go on sale in other parts of the globe as well, but right now it seems as if Microsoft wants to try it in U.S only.
[Via: CyberNet]

wrote, on July 3rd, 2008
Sounds like a good deal, has anyone used OneCare AV? I’m still stuck in the dark ages with Norton!
wrote, on July 3rd, 2008
Definitely a good deal for those that use Microsoft Office.
Is Microsoft Expression Web(frontpage) included in this?
wrote, on July 3rd, 2008
Sounds good, although OpenOffice and AVG works fine for me…..for free!
wrote, on July 3rd, 2008
I wonder how soon I can get my hands on it with Microsoft student alliance.
wrote, on July 4th, 2008
This is very good news indeed and yes, why not in other parts of the world too? Incidentally, will this work on XP or only on vista?
wrote, on July 6th, 2008
I think thats a great combination
would be a good deal.
Thanks for the info
wrote, on July 7th, 2008
Don’t know how well it will do in India. Indian’s like as much free stuff as they can get.
wrote, on July 9th, 2008
No more than the rest of us I would say? Don’t stereotype the Indians.
wrote, on July 9th, 2008
I got rid of Norton, this sounds like a great deal. I’m sure I’ll give it a try.
wrote, on July 12th, 2008
It’ll work in XP (32-bit) and Vista (32 & 64-bit).
Internet access is required as well as creating a Windows Live ID to activate it.
In 2 years it’ll cost $138. This is geared towards households/students.
For a household (if you don’t want onenote 2007 or the windows live stuff) I think it would be cheaper to buy office 2007 student version-$110. Get AVG-free. Get Spybot Search & Destroy-free. In 2 years it’ll still cost $110 and you’ll still be able to get office updates for free.
For college students, check out if there is a MSDN Academic Alliance with your school. You should be able to get software for very cheap or free. I got OneNote 2007 as well as Vista Business for free this way.
However, this is a cheap way to try out Windows OneNote 2007 and Windows Live Messenger/Mail/Photo gallery, which are included in this service.
wrote, on July 13th, 2008
Sounds very good, smart marketing to do. I think it will sell very well.