Vista pricing finalized

Microsoft Corp. announced on Tuesday U.S. prices for Windows Vista, the long-awaited new version of the operating system that sits on more than 90 percent of the world’s personal computers. Microsoft, the world’s biggest software maker, also reconfirmed its plan to target a general launch of the product in January after making it available to large-volume business customers in November.

Not surprisingly, the leaked prices revealed last week by Amazon are right on the money. For the creme of the crop, Ultimate Edition will set you back $399. For the modest Home Premium, it’s an easier to stomach $239.