What am I missing? All of the prices in the links are much higher than the $40 upgrade price announced by Microsoft. If I understand it correctly, anyone currently using XP, Vista, or Win7 can upgrade to Win8 Pro for forty bucks through Jan 31, 2013.
Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99
That will only be available through on-line only using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant for 40$
I am assuming it will allow you to download an ISO that you can put on a USB key. Don't know though.
Windows 8 System Builder Software
EDIT: Everything you want to know about System Builder License as it stands right now today
OEM System Builder Licensing
There is still a whole lot of confusion surrounding System Builder....
While System Builder may have a Personal Use License according to NewEgg...
Microsoft Windows 8 64-bit (Full Version) - OEM
Disclaimer: Use of this
OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale.
This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.
Remember: OEM is not transferable from one system to another.
Also, if you have a non-OEM of any other version (XP, Vista, 7) it is transferrable and so
SHOULD the Win8 Upgrade with it.
There are all legal stipulations and getting the OEM software activated on a system you transfer it to is not guaranteed
Personally I would wait and see what is actually allowed with System Builder for Win8 as I can not find anything official from MS.
If anyone does have something, please post it here. Thanks
This has yet to be officially confirmed.
Note:ZDNet’s Ed Bott has some clarifications around Transfer Rights, based on licenses he’s seen and analyzed. Bott wrote recently if somone 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.