Microsoft opens Windows 8.1 preorders before Oct 18 launch

Microsoft has opened preorders for Windows 8.1, the update coming later in October that's designed to make it easier for people to absorb the radical new interface that arrived with Windows 8.

The software maker will automatically upgrade Windows 8 machines on October 17, the day before Windows 8.1 ships, but now Windows 7 users can pay $120 to order the Windows 8.1 upgrade DVD or a digital download.
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Read more at: Microsoft opens Windows 8.1 preorders before Oct. 18 launch | Microsoft - CNET News


See also: Buy Windows 8.1 - Microsoft Store
 
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Hmmm.... That early buy-in of 39.99 for Win 8 last October doesn't sound so bad now. Well at least the update is free for those who already have 8. And honestly, 120 bucks of an OS isn't bad. Question though, is this for pro?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win7/8 Mint
    System Manufacturer/Model
    lenovo W530
    CPU
    intell i7
    Motherboard
    Lenovo
    Memory
    16gb
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    512 gb ssd
    Other Info
    Around 13 million employes
Well that answers that.

I was just curious. I've already got my 8.1 pro disk.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v
Think I'm gonna stick with 8 for awhile. Start Menu 8 is working just fine for me and not ready to switch again so soon, 8 was a big enough shock for a regular non-touch laptop user. Have this working the way I want right now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v
sygnus21 said:
If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.
Click to expand...

Will I be able to boot to desktop and have the 7 style menu orb in the lower left corner?

Sorry, they will have to pry my mouse out of my cold dead hand. I am old though so probably sooner than later.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
popeye said:
Think I'm gonna stick with 8 for awhile. Start Menu 8 is working just fine for me and not ready to switch again so soon, 8 was a big enough shock for a regular non-touch laptop user. Have this working the way I want right now.
Click to expand...

popeye said:
sygnus21 said:
If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.
Click to expand...

Will I be able to boot to desktop and have the 7 style menu orb in the lower left corner?

Sorry, they will have to pry my mouse out of my cold dead hand. I am old though so probably sooner than later.
Click to expand...

I'm sorry, I must have missed that Start Orb on Windows 8. Where was it? :sarc:

Yeah 8.1 doesn't have the Start Orb as well, but it does have a start button, something Win 8 doesn't have.

Anyway to each his own, and I'm not here to sale it so enjoy what you have :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v
Thanks for the respect. There are many of us out here that still want old school mouse and desktop and no tiles or whatever you want to call them.

I still say Microsoft should have an option on install that lets the user select Desktop (mouse) or Metro (touch) interface.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
OK! this is really good as i am aware with the fact that win 8.1 is available for free to those who are owning its predecessor version at prior hand .. i am ready to enjoy the update
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    4.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    e4166
    CPU
    core 2 duel
    Motherboard
    i3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Dell
    Browser
    compe
    Antivirus
    kpersky
PhyllisColeman said:
OK! this is really good as i am aware with the fact that win 8.1 is available for free to those who are owning its predecessor version at prior hand .. i am ready to enjoy the update
Click to expand...

So you are a tile (touch) person and not a desktop (mouse) person?

It does seem it comes down to that basic question.

Let the war begin! Mousies against Touchies! May the best PC interface win.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer V3 771G-6443
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer VA70_HC (U3E1)
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (800 MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD4000 + GeForce GT 730M
    Sound Card
    Realtek High Definition Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" Generic PnP Display on Intel HD Graphics 4000
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900 pixels
    Hard Drives
    Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250 GB
    ADATA SSD SP900 128GB
    PSU
    90 watt brick
    Mouse
    Bluetooth
    Antivirus
    Comodo
    Other Info
    Asus RT-AC56R dual-band WRT router (Merlin firmware). Intel 7260.HMWWB.R dual-band ac wireless adapter.
popeye said:
Thanks for the respect. There are many of us out here that still want old school mouse and desktop and no tiles or whatever you want to call them.
Click to expand...


LOL, I'm one of them - Neither my desktop nor laptop are touch screen, and I too prefer a mouse & keyboard. Also 8.1 lets you set the OS to start in desktop mode as opposed to the "metro" start screen. Something 8 doesn't have ;)

I not saying the OS is perfect, but I will say it's better 8, as you have more options and customization - such as changing the way the Metro screen looks, which I don't use as I simply hate the metro screen.

Just keeping it real.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom built by me
    CPU
    Haswell i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte G1 Sniper 5 (BIOS F9)
    Memory
    Corsair Dominator Platinum 32 gig (1866MHz)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire R9-280 Vapor X
    Sound Card
    Soundblaster ZXR
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NEC PA242W - 24 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1200
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 512gig 850 Pro SSD (OS), Samsung 256gig 840 Pro SSD (photo editing), Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB HD
    PSU
    EVGA Supernova 1000 G2
    Case
    Cooler Master HAF X
    Cooling
    Corsair H100i Closed Loop Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    High Speed
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Norton Security
    Other Info
    RAM Speed: 1866MHZ @ 9-10-10-27-2T, 1.5v
sygnus21 said:
If you already have 8, there's absolutely no reason not to move to 8.1. And though there are some additions here and there, there's really not that much of a difference in operation. Also be aware that 8 is pretty much dead once 8.1 goes live.
Click to expand...

absolutely true

Windows 8.1 also lets people optionally boot straight to desktop.

If you have 8 it's a NO BRAINER to get 8.1 - especially as it's a FREE upgrade. W8 will be deprecated (redundant / obsolete) as soon as W8.1 is out to general public.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
IMHO 8.1 is all about fixing Metro. In 8.0 Metro is full screen one screen only. In 8.1 it is much more multi monitor friendly. I may actually leave 8.1 on my desktop now instead of rolling back to 7 like I normally do. If you spend most of your time on the traditional desktop 8.1 isn't going to do much for you other than the boot to desktop option. It your already running a third party application to get beck your start menu you are likely already booting to the desktop anyway. I haven't bothered upgrading my Wife's Windows 8 laptop. All she does is Facebook and its running fine so I'll leave it be. I did clean installs on my laptop and main desktop, just to avoid the pitfalls of upgrade installs. So far so good. The pricing looks to in tune with what Windows 7 cost. I'm not sure I personally would pay that though to upgrade any of my Windows 7 desktops to 8 or 8.1. If I didn't have TechNet my desktops would both still be running Windows 7. 7 is an excellent OS for those PC's. 8.1 is free for me anyway as both of my laptops came with Windows 8. 8.1 is nice and I like it but it doesn't have any killer feature that would inspire me to buy it just to upgrade a PC from Windows 7. A month or so ago I would have hunted up Windows 7 for a new desktop build, now though I think I might actually buy Windows 8.1.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
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