Windows 8: Ready, set, preorder

With two weeks to go before Windows 8 and Windows RT launch, Microsoft and partners are slowly opening the availability pipe. Check out the pricing.

For those who still haven't gotten their hands on the Windows 8 release-to-manufacturing bits via MSDN, TechNet, BizSpark, volume licensing or some other channel, Microsoft is making available via preorder the Windows 8 upgrade media as of October 12.

Read more at source:
Windows 8: Ready, set, preorder | Windows 8 - CNET Reviews


See also:
Prices and packaging for Windows 8 go public | ZDNet

 

[Phone Man]

HI there
Beware if you buy the OEM discounted copy - it sounds like a good deal (assuming you are going for the upgrade) - but unlike the full retail version it will have the same restrictions as a pre-installed OEM copy when you buy a PC from a store -- the only difference in this case is that YOU are now allowed to install the OEM version under the Personal Use License -- but it will still be restricted to THAT PC ONLY.

If you want to move it to a new PC or frequently change computers - unlike the full retail copy you won't be able to re-activate it.

Cheers
jimbo

There seems to be confusion on that point. According to Ed Bott after looking at the License agreements:

Update: ZDNet's Ed Bott has some clarifications around Transfer Rights, based on licenses he's seen and analyzed. Bott wrote recently if someone buys a copy of a Windows 8 system-builder license and then sells a PC running that license, there are no transfer rights. But the new Windows 8 system-builder license includes a personal-use license that stipulates a DIYer/hobbyist can buy the System Builder software, install it on one's own PC or virtual machine and keep the right to transfer that license to another PC that the individual owns.

But this has not been confirmed by MS and I can not find a link to the Windows 8 Person Use License to verify his statement. So I agree to be careful in your selection and hopefully this will be clarified soon.

Jim

 

[Tepid]

System builder as I have always understood it, has never been for personal use, but many people use it as stating they are building a new system for themselves and getting it.

System Builder is for those that build systems and then sell them. It's equivalent to an OEM license for a person building systems out of their shop or garage and selling them. not using them for personal use.

 

[Phone Man]

System builder as I have always understood it, has never been for personal use, but many people use it as stating they are building a new system for themselves and getting it.

System Builder is for those that build systems and then sell them. It's equivalent to an OEM license for a person building systems out of their shop or garage and selling them. not using them for personal use.

That is correct for previous version of Windows but may have changed with Windows 8 with the Personal Use License which I have not seen a copy of yet. The final answer is still up in the air.

Jim