Microsoft has confirmed how much Windows Vista will cost when it hits the shops early next year. 

The top-of-the-range Windows Vista Ultimate Edition will sell for $399 in the US, with upgrades available for $259.

Home Premium will retail for $239 for the full package and $159 for the upgrade. Home Basic, with less functionality, will cost $199 with upgrades available for $100.

Corporate editions will start at $299 for the full version of Business Edition, with upgrades costing $199. Enterprise edition will only be offered to Microsoft Volume Licence customers and will not be available for retail purchase. 

The official Vista prices tally with those revealed last month on Amazon, which listed Ultimate Edition at $399 and Home Premium at $239. Upgrades for Ultimate and Home Premium were set at $259 and $159 respectively. 

Microsoft is intending to release more than six versions of Windows Vista: one for developing markets, two business systems, three for the home and some EU-specific packages which have Media Player removed.

Most of the options will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.