New
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Okay now that case is okay with me. :)
More...Simple, Clean and Easy To Open…
We approached the packaging for Windows 7 the same way we approached the product – by listening to what our customers told us they wanted: make it a simple clean design, easy to open, and reduce waste.
Simple Design
Customers told us they liked the big bold Windows logo and how it clearly communicates that it’s Windows 7. They like larger typefaces to make it easy to read and they like background colors for each edition to make it easier to differentiate between Windows 7 Home Premium all the way to Windows 7 Ultimate. In their own words, the “clean” design gives off a “fresh” feel.
Make It Easy To Open
We’ve reduced the number of elements in the package down to three: the plastic case, the paper sleeve, and a simple Getting Started Guide. The plastic case opens easily like a standard DVD case and it will have a single easy-to-remove seal at the top - And that’s it!
Reduce Waste
The plastic case protecting the Windows 7 disk is lighter and is recyclable. The packaging itself has a 37% weight reduction and a 50% improvement on it’s econometrics score over the predecessor.
Essentially, this packaging is what customers told us they were most interested in picking up to learn more about Windows 7. We hope you do the same.
Look for the new Windows 7 packaging to hit this fall!
I ended up with a new avatar upon seeing that one while checking up on things. As expected MS will continue to use the basic wrapping without any spectacular new look for 7's retail boxes.
The move to plastic cases starting with Vista was a much needed improvement over the old cardboard sleeve idea. If you should happen to drop the case the disk will generally survive the impact while the old cardboard sleeve would simply bend and the disk could be damaged.
Plus you are far less apt to see a disk scratched up since you remove the disk upward rather then sliding it out on one side. One little bit of dirt or debris and scratched up disk you got with those.
You know, that packaging looks much better in that an actual photograph than it does in the simple renders we've been seeing here for a long time
Why not just a DVD sleeve?
The plastic case offers a bit more impact protection from any thinner sleeves if you end up dropping the disk on the floor or someone comes along and places something on top. "oh noooo... i spilled my morning coffee and it got into the sleeve!"
On the other hand, "who spilled something on my 7 dvd case over here? hey!" where you simply wipe off the outside.
Plus it's no longer a plastic case slid into a cardboard sleeve as seen with Vista. They simply add an insert inside the case itself. Saves on paper making that more environmentally friendly.
I doubt dropping a DVD on the floor would damage it, unless you do it until the DVD physically cracks/breaks. Liquids don't damage DVDs for the most part.