Photos: Vista, Office 2007 Packaging

Microsoft late Monday took the wraps off its new packaging designs for Windows Vista and Office 2007, which are both slated to hit store shelves early next year. Both the style and box itself have been designed to attract the eye, much like Apple does with its products.

"The packaging has been completely revised and, we hope, foreshadows the great experience that awaits you once you open it," said Vista product manager Nick White. "Designed to be user-friendly, the new packaging is a small, hard, plastic container that’s designed to protect the software inside for life-long use."