How do you get the best deal on a Windows 8 Pro upgrade?

You can get a smoking deal on an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro if you're ready to make that purchase before January 31, 2013. But there are some gotchas, and one inexplicable and unfair pricing decision means that early buyers of Windows 8 PCs pay more than Windows 7 users.

Microsoft has simplified the upgrade process for Windows 8 dramatically, at least for early adopters, starting with its decision to sell only two retail editions.

Between now and February 1, 2013, Microsoft is offering upgrades to Windows 8 Pro, the full-featured edition whose Windows 7 equivalent typically costs $200. (Upgrades to the less expensive base version of Windows 8 are not available at all right now, and won’t be available until these initial promotional offers are over.)

That makes for some smoking deals. But there are still a few gotchas to be had in the process. And one inexplicable pricing decision actually penalizes customers who are among the first to purchase PCs preloaded with Windows 8.

Here are the details.

Read more at source:
How do you get the best deal on a Windows 8 Pro upgrade? | ZDNet


See also:
http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/11885-windows-8-upgrade-assistant-download-run.html
 
Last edited:
Bugger. I just went with x2 $40 deals when I could have had both for $30... Ah well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vanilla 8 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    SmartEyeball Custom Systems
    CPU
    Intel 3770K @4.8ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 WS
    Memory
    16GB G.Skill Trident 2666mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    3x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB + ATH-AD900 Headphones
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    5760*1200/1920*1200 / 1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200
    Case
    Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs: Clevo Sager P170HM // 17.3 Matte 1920x1200 // i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz // Dedicated GTX 485M // 240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray // Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0 // NexStar USB 3.0 enclosure 500GB
I only spent $15 to upgrade two computers to 8 Pro with media pack. I got a free license through dreamspark.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
That's right. Rub it in ;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Vanilla 8 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    SmartEyeball Custom Systems
    CPU
    Intel 3770K @4.8ghz
    Motherboard
    ASUS P8Z77 WS
    Memory
    16GB G.Skill Trident 2666mhz
    Graphics Card(s)
    3x Gigabyte GTX 670 OC WindForce SLI
    Sound Card
    SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB + ATH-AD900 Headphones
    Monitor(s) Displays
    x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung / "40 Sony
    Screen Resolution
    5760*1200/1920*1200 / 1920*1080
    Hard Drives
    2x Intel 520 240GB * Crucial M4 128GB * 2x Samsung F3 1TB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0)
    PSU
    Corsair AX1200
    Case
    Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
    Mouse
    Razer Imperator + Thermaltake Theron
    Other Info
    Laptop Specs: Clevo Sager P170HM // 17.3 Matte 1920x1200 // i7 2720QM // 8GB 1333mhz // Dedicated GTX 485M // 240GB Intel 520 + 750GB + Blu-Ray // Samsung Story 2TB USB 3.0 // NexStar USB 3.0 enclosure 500GB
With these upgrade prices a person can't go wrong. Of course that is unless they are the ones stating they would never buy Win8.:D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
I got 3 @ $14.99 each. Awesome value
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8 x64 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    tw33k
    CPU
    Intel 3770K @ 4.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS Maximus V Formula
    Memory
    8gb (2x4GB) Crucial Ballistix
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire 7950
    Sound Card
    On Board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    27" Acer B273HU
    Screen Resolution
    2048 x 1152
    Hard Drives
    Crucial M4 128GB
    WD Black 2TB
    Samsung F3 1TB
    WD 1TB USB 2.0
    WD 3TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Corsair AX-750
    Case
    Corsair 800DW
    Cooling
    H100
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Wireless 5000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless 5000
    Internet Speed
    5mb/s
I got 3 @ $14.99 each. Awesome value

Wow, you had 3 qualifying purchases in that short amount of time..that's nuts.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus Tansformer Book Flip TP500LN
    CPU
    Intel i5-4210U
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 SDRAM
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia Geforce GT 840M
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15" Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    1TB Hybrid
    Mouse
    Microsoft Wireless Mobile Mouse 4000
I got 3 @ $14.99 each. Awesome value

Wow, you had 3 qualifying purchases in that short amount of time..that's nuts.

Or it could be that he got in on the short-lived promo glitch.

That could be, but I would think most members here keep it completely legit. If us fans aren't willing to pay for MS software, our at least pay the very reasonable upgrade price, why would we expect others not to steal it?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
The non upgrade version goes for $69.95, and after February 2, 2013 it will jump to $199.95. So whatever one you may choose you really can't go wrong (I went with two $69.95).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
The non upgrade version goes for $69.95, and after February 2, 2013 it will jump to $199.95. So whatever one you may choose you really can't go wrong (I went with two $69.95).

Where did you find a full non upgrade version for $69.95? The cheapest I've seen so far of system builder for Windows 8 non-Pro is $85.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
I got the convenient deal from Amazon. $70 disk delivered on Oct 26, then $30 to spend on Amazon in 30 days. No bargain, just nice to have the disk.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Dual Win 7-8 64-bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Studio XPS8100
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3.2 GHz
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia GeForce GTX 260
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Dell 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1200
    Hard Drives
    900GB and 1.5TB
    Keyboard
    Dell USB
    Mouse
    Dell Optical
    Internet Speed
    10 Mb/s down 1.5 Mb/s up
    Other Info
    I worked my up from a virtual machine, to a slow 32-bit celeron and now two monitors on my XPS8100. Works great!
I got the upgrade disk at Staples on 10/26 for $69.95 and the used the $30.00 Staples coupon (good only 10/26-10/27) I got via email for having their Staples Rewards Card.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Black Shadow
    CPU
    i7-4790K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z97X-UD5H
    Memory
    8GB Trident X 2400mhz cas9
    Graphics Card(s)
    Asus GTX 970 Strix
    Sound Card
    X-FI Extreme Music
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell U2412M
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    850 Pro 256GB / Vector 150 240GB / Evo 250GB
    PSU
    Seasonic SS-660XP2
    Case
    Fractal Design R4
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-U14S
The non upgrade version goes for $69.95, and after February 2, 2013 it will jump to $199.95. So whatever one you may choose you really can't go wrong (I went with two $69.95).

Where did you find a full non upgrade version for $69.95? The cheapest I've seen so far of system builder for Windows 8 non-Pro is $85.
Staples
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Staples is selling the upgrade for $69.95, don't see a full oem version on their site.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8 pro
    CPU
    2600k
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    7970
Staples is selling the upgrade for $69.95, don't see a full oem version on their site.

The box version I got does not say "Upgrade" on it. When I installed it it did not ask for a previous version or serial key. In fact it was installed on a new SSD that hadn't even been formatted. This was the full version. Staples had the upgrade version, but it did not contain a disc only a key code ($39.99).

When the employee first checked for the price it registered $183.99; at that point I told him it could be ordered on their web site for $69.99. He checked the site to see the asking price, and it was $69.99. He then contacted the manager who said they are being sold at the price shown on the web site. Hence, I bought two copies.:D
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8, (VM win7, XP, Vista)
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion p1423w
    CPU
    Intel Core i5 3330 Ivy Bridge
    Motherboard
    Foxconn - 2ADA Ivy Brige
    Memory
    16 GB 1066MHz DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon HD 5450
    Sound Card
    HD Realteck (Onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Mitsubishi LED TV/Montior HD, Dell 23 HD, Hanspree 25" HD
    Screen Resolution
    Mit. 1980-1080, Dell 2048-115, Hanspree 1920-10802
    Hard Drives
    1 SanDisk 240Gig SSD, 2 Samsung 512Gig SSDs
    Case
    Tower
    Cooling
    Original (Fans)
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Keyboard 2000
    Mouse
    Microsoft Optical Mouse 5000
    Internet Speed
    1.3 (350 to 1024 if lucky)
    Browser
    Firefox 19.1
    Antivirus
    MSE-Defender
Yea that is an upgrade. Amazon sells the full system builder non pro for $85 and pro system builder for $125.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
Good finding Lee... US Staple, indicate it's a full version , you really get them Lee, look at the detail if you click on the regular $ 189

"Windows 8 Pro (1-License) [Boxed]

Item: 100020 Model: 3UR-00001




  • If your PC is running Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can get Windows 8 Pro and enjoy all the..





Windows 8 Pro (1-License) [Boxed] | Staples®

it's a upgrade on the website


US web site
staple.jpg



canadian web site show the same SKU as an update

st.jpg



so on the US website they make a mistake and Lee get the real one at this price because of the Website mistake
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 enterprise x64
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Pc-Quebec / Area 66
    CPU
    i7-3960X Extreme Edition
    Motherboard
    Rampage IV Extreme
    Memory
    Gskill 4x4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    4 x HD 7970
    Sound Card
    onboard
    Screen Resolution
    2560*1600
    Hard Drives
    C:\Intel series 520 SSD , 250 GB
    D:\ WD 750 black with Intel 40gb SSD cache Intel RST
    E:\ WD 2TB Black
    PSU
    Corsair AX 1200
    Case
    TT Mozart TX
    Cooling
    Water Cooled
    Keyboard
    Logitech G-15
    Other Info
    Windows 8 VM is install on his own SSD.
Staples is selling the upgrade for $69.95, don't see a full oem version on their site.

The box version I got does not say "Upgrade" on it. When I installed it it did not ask for a previous version or serial key. In fact it was installed on a new SSD that hadn't even been formatted. This was the full version. Staples had the upgrade version, but it did not contain a disc only a key code ($39.99).

When the employee first checked for the price it registered $183.99; at that point I told him it could be ordered on their web site for $69.99. He checked the site to see the asking price, and it was $69.99. He then contacted the manager who said they are being sold at the price shown on the web site. Hence, I bought two copies.:D

It's during activation that you find out if you've got an upgrade or not, if it's an upgrade you'll be told you can't activate it. If you were able to activate it then you got an awesome deal!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7, Windows 8 RP
11-8-2012 7-00-15 PM.jpg

If the box is dark blue it is a full version and you got a great deal!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8 pro
    CPU
    2600k
    Motherboard
    Intel
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    7970
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