Windows 8 "Standard Edition"?

[pparks1]

Yes, that was a great deal. Is your Dell disc a bloatware-free full-install disc? I think you indicated "yes" before. That's what I would insist on. If that's what you got, then I think that is a rarity from OEM's.

Yes, it is purely a Microsoft Windows 8 reinstallation disc intended for use only with Dell computers. It installs the OS without anything else. After install, I have to install all software, drivers the OS doesn't have by default, etc. it is NOT a system restore disc. I had to make those separately or use the partition on the hard drive to recover from (which I promptly deleted).

I have looked at the Dell site before seeing if I could find a laptop that would fit my requirements, including allowing me to obtain a bloatware-free full-install disc, but have not been able to find this option. Of course, if I called I might get farther.

On the home line, it probably doesn't show. They always limit the options (as to not confuse people). I would always call them. If you click on work machines and buy a laptop via that channel, you will see the option. It looks something like this;




I've bought home based system (Dell Dimensions) and work based systems (Dell Latitudes) and the Dell performance line (XPS) and they have always had the OS reinstall disc included.

 

[znod]

Thanks for the information. I will check out the Dell machines. I think I identified a Dell (maybe 2) that would suit me once before. My requirements are somewhat restrictive. Laptop must have backlit keyboard, SSD, Win8 Pro/UEFI, centered trackpad (so 13" or 14"), etc. And, now, I am a tad hung up on waiting for the Win8 lappy fire sale to begin or for Blue (or is it Blew). Thanks again.

 

[pparks1]

I'm using a Latitude 6430u. The U indicates that it's an ultrabook. It has what you mentioned, it's a core i7, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, centered trackpad, backlit keyboard ( i never have it on), fingerprint reader, 1600x900 (wish it could go higher), goes all day on a charge, charges fully in about an hour, has HMDI, NIC, USB 3.0 and eSATA, and weighs 4lbs. Oh yeah, it's UEFI based as well running 8 Pro.

 

[theog]

computer preinstalled with Microsoft Windows 8 Core.

View attachment Core Licenses.zip

 

[znod]

I'm using a Latitude 6430u. The U indicates that it's an ultrabook. It has what you mentioned, it's a core i7, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, centered trackpad, backlit keyboard ( i never have it on), fingerprint reader, 1600x900 (wish it could go higher), goes all day on a charge, charges fully in about an hour, has HMDI, NIC, USB 3.0 and eSATA, and weighs 4lbs. Oh yeah, it's UEFI based as well running 8 Pro.

Thanks much; I will check this one out.

 

[znod]

I'm using a Latitude 6430u. The U indicates that it's an ultrabook. It has what you mentioned, it's a core i7, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, centered trackpad, backlit keyboard ( i never have it on), fingerprint reader, 1600x900 (wish it could go higher), goes all day on a charge, charges fully in about an hour, has HMDI, NIC, USB 3.0 and eSATA, and weighs 4lbs. Oh yeah, it's UEFI based as well running 8 Pro.

I found the laptop, customizable as I would want (at least via a "business" purchase), although "customize" doesn't mention the disc thing. I will call and talk to them if I get a bit more serious. Thanks much again for the info.

My original plan was to get a laptop, if I could find my specifications, and, thus, be prepared to dual boot with Blue (AKA Blew). But, everything I am reading about Blue is that it will be more immersive and more touch oriented. If that is the way things go, then I will be completely done with Windows--until things change "back." Given these possible developments, I wouldn't be needing a laptop. I'll be keeping up with Blue developments to make an assessment. I sort of don't want to completely abandon the Windows world, but I'm not going to compute on a tablet.

Edit: There is an online note about the card reader on the computer not being compatible with Win8. Know anything about that?

 

[znod]

I'm using a Latitude 6430u. The U indicates that it's an ultrabook. It has what you mentioned, it's a core i7, 16GB of RAM, 256GB SSD, centered trackpad, backlit keyboard ( i never have it on), fingerprint reader, 1600x900 (wish it could go higher), goes all day on a charge, charges fully in about an hour, has HMDI, NIC, USB 3.0 and eSATA, and weighs 4lbs. Oh yeah, it's UEFI based as well running 8 Pro.

I am betting you did not see the edit to my last post. I said: "There is an online note about the card reader on the computer [6430u] not being compatible with Windows 8. Know anything about that?"

I still am thinking about whether Blue will be worth my while and for the Win8 fire sale. I still am not able to determine whether I want anything to do with Blue. No reasonable concessions to the non-tablet world, and I am out. I think there is supposed to be a consumer preview version, or something, for Blue in May.