About half of personal computer users will take a "wait and see" approach in deciding whether to upgrade their machines to Microsoft's Windows 7 operating system, according to a new survey.

Windows 7 screen shot
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47% of respondents to online electronics retailer Retrovo's survey said they'll hold off on moving to Windows 7 until the early reviews are in.

12% said they will definitely upgrade, while 38% said they would not. 3% of the 448 respondents said they've already upgraded to Windows 7.

The large number of undecided shoppers means that Windows 7 could live or die depending on how well it performs out of the gate on Oct. 22nd. Microsoft insists many of the problems that plagued Vista upon its debut—such as incompatibility with older software and awkward security measures—have been fixed in Windows 7.

Retrevo's survey also revealed that many consumers are holding off on new PC purchases until Windows 7 is available. 39% of respondents who intend to purchase a new computer this year are waiting for the new OS, according to the survey.

Windows 7's fate in the business market also appears mixed. 18% of respondents to a straw poll of attendees at InformationWeek's online Windows 7 seminar said their organizations plan to roll out the new OS within six months. 32% planned to move to Windows 7 within a year, while 35% said they have no plans to install the operating system.

9% indicated their companies will migrate to Windows 7 within two years. 4% said their Windows 7 rollouts are already underway, and 2% said they'll wait for the first service pack.

Microsoft is counting on Windows 7 to reinvigorate its top line, as sales of Windows Vista have fallen sharply in recent quarters.

The full version of Windows 7 Professional is $299, with upgrades going for $199. Windows 7 Ultimate is priced at $319, with the upgrade version at $219. The full version of Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199, with an upgrade from Vista or XP costing $119.

InformationWeek has published an indepth report on Windows 7. Download the report here (registration required).