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
 
I got an invitation this morning to purchase Windows 8 Professional Upgrade for $69.99. I won't mention the vendor's name because I don't want anyone to think I'm advertising, but it is a reputable vendor.

I wonder though it the upgrade is going to behave like previous upgrades, where you can do a clean install as long as you have the media for the eligible version to insert during the install process.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
That method of upgrading hasn't work for a long while. The trick with 7 was to install without a key and then install again and upgrade over the top of the unactivated keyless entry.
 

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.
That method of upgrading hasn't work for a long while. The trick with 7 was to install without a key and then install again and upgrade over the top of the unactivated keyless entry.

Well dang. Been a long time since I've done an upgrade obviously. Oh well.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Constantly changing hardware.
I got an invitation this morning to purchase Windows 8 Professional Upgrade for $69.99. I won't mention the vendor's name because I don't want anyone to think I'm advertising, but it is a reputable vendor.

I wonder though it the upgrade is going to behave like previous upgrades, where you can do a clean install as long as you have the media for the eligible version to insert during the install process.

The new Windows 8 upgrade requires you to have a licensed copy of XP, Vista or Win 7 installed on the system but will let you do a clean install during the upgrade.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
I'm a little confused on a couple of things about the upgrade. In the article it says that MS's upgrade offer for $39.99 does not include DVD media. If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing? Also, in the article it says, "No "fully packaged" Windows 8 product is available at retail. What is the difference between that which I would download forms MS and the "fully packaged" product?
I would appreciate it if you could clear this up for me. Thanks.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
I pre-ordered an OEM copy of Windows 8 (full install) from Newegg this afternoon. They're offering 10 dollars off pre-orders this weekend. I think $89.99 is a fair price.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom Build
    CPU
    AMD FX-4170 Zambezi 4.2GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-970A-UD3
    Memory
    G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    Galaxy GeForce GTX 560 2GB 256-bit GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC889 (onboard)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE278Q Black 27"
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 750GB 7200 RPM 32MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s
    PSU
    PC Power and Cooling Silencer Mk II 750W
    Case
    Antec Three Hundred Black
    Cooling
    2x120mm front, 120mm rear, 140mm top
    Keyboard
    DYNEX Model# DX-WKBD
    Mouse
    DYNEX Model# DX-WMSE
    Internet Speed
    30down/6up
I'm a little confused on a couple of things about the upgrade. In the article it says that MS's upgrade offer for $39.99 does not include DVD media. If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing? Also, in the article it says, "No "fully packaged" Windows 8 product is available at retail. What is the difference between that which I would download forms MS and the "fully packaged" product?
I would appreciate it if you could clear this up for me. Thanks.

Check this blog from MS.

Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99

After your download finishes, you can choose to proceed with the upgrade (“Install now”) or install later either from your desktop or by creating your own media. If you choose to create your own media, you will be able to create your own bootable USB or .ISO file which can be burned onto a DVD for upgrade and backup purposes. If you prefer, you also have the option of purchasing a backup DVD for $15 plus shipping and handling.

There is no "FULL RETAIL" as they had in Windows 7. The $39.99 is an Upgrade version. It is a full retail copy but the key requires you to have a previous windows version on the system. They do offer a "System Builder" version which is a full retail with restrictions. Its for personal use on a system you build.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
What if you don't have an operating system installed? Or your hard drive dies? You won't have anything to upgrade from! I always buy the full retail boxed versions.... and don't like this one bit :-(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 7
I'm a little confused on a couple of things about the upgrade. In the article it says that MS's upgrade offer for $39.99 does not include DVD media. If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing? Also, in the article it says, "No "fully packaged" Windows 8 product is available at retail. What is the difference between that which I would download forms MS and the "fully packaged" product?
I would appreciate it if you could clear this up for me. Thanks.
Hi Frank,
$30 discount covers the cost of the disk, postage and the time you download and burn( labour cost). The burnt disk will be as same as the upgrade disk you buy from any retailer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire E1-571
    CPU
    i5-3230m
    Motherboard
    Acer Type-2
    Memory
    8GB DDR3 1333MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel HD 4000
    Sound Card
    High Definiton Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 850 Pro 256GB
    PSU
    Generic
    Keyboard
    QWERTY
    Mouse
    ELANTECH Touchpad
    Internet Speed
    12.68Mbps
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thanks, Phone Man--That was very helpful and cleared things up for me.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Pro
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion g7-120us Notebook
    Memory
    8 GIG
If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing?
Hi Frank1 :)
I've a gut feeling that, it won't be an ISO file. This will most probably be a web installer.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion g4
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1 GB Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500 GB HDD
Thanks, Phone Man--That was very helpful and cleared things up for me.

Great, can you explain it to me? :p
Just kidding.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing?
Hi Frank1 :)
I've a gut feeling that, it won't be an ISO file. This will most probably be a web installer.

Did you not read my previous post #8 ??? That information is from Microsoft.

Jim :cool:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 HP 64bit, Windows 8.1 Pro w/Media Center 64BIT
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS - Home Built
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A99X EVO
    Memory
    Crucial Balistic DDR-3 1866 CL 9 (8 GB)
    Graphics Card(s)
    MSI R6850 Cyclone IGD5 PE
    Sound Card
    On Chip
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS VE258Q 25" LED with DVI-HDMI-DisplayPort
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Two WD Cavier Black 2TB Sata 6gbs
    WD My Book Essential 2TB USB 3.0
    PSU
    Seasonic X650 80 Plus GOLD Modular
    Case
    Corsair 400R
    Cooling
    Antec Kuhler H2O 620, Two 120mm and four 140mm
    Keyboard
    AVS Gear Blue LED Backlight
    Mouse
    Logitech Marble Mouse USB, Logitech Precision Game Pad
    Internet Speed
    15MB
    Antivirus
    NIS, Malwarebytes Premium 2
    Other Info
    APC UPS ES 750, Netgear WNR3500L Gigabit & Wireless N Router with SamKnows Test Program,
    Motorola SB6120 Gigabit Cable Modem.
    Brother HL-2170W Laser Printer,
    Epson V300 Scanner
What if you don't have an operating system installed? Or your hard drive dies? You won't have anything to upgrade from! I always buy the full retail boxed versions.... and don't like this one bit :-(

I agree...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB data storage
    PSU
    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
    Case
    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
I wont be pre-ordering or ordering at all unless there is a full retail version....I might go with the OEM version...now in the states from Newegg and TigerDirect are pricing at $140...Well see.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom build
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X 4 965 BE
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-MA790X-DS4
    Memory
    G-Skill 8 GB PC 8500
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD XFX HD Radeon 6790D
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2l Samsung SyncMaster S20B300
    Screen Resolution
    1600 X 900
    Hard Drives
    Seagate Barracuda 320 GB w/OS
    Seagate Barracuda 1 TB data storage
    PSU
    Ultra X4 750 watt fully modular
    Case
    Thermaltake OverSeer RX 1 fulltower
    Cooling
    Cooler Master Hyper212 120mm
    Keyboard
    Logitech G510
    Mouse
    Razor DeathAdder 3.5
Thanks for the info Shawn.
Interesting pricing, the pricing in Feb '13 will probably depend on the sales from now until then.

I'll be getting at least two on October 26th.
Starting October 26th, you'll also have the option to download Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64/ Windows 7 Ult x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    76~2.0
    CPU
    Intel Core i5-3570K 4.6GHz
    Motherboard
    GIGABYTE GA-Z77X UD3H f18
    Memory
    8GB (2X4GB) DDR3 1600 CORSAIR Vengeance CL8 1.5v
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire HD 7770 Vapor-X 1GB DDR5
    Sound Card
    Onboard VIA VT2021
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LCD Dell SP2208WFP
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samaung 840Pro 128GB, Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb, Seagate 1TB SATA2 7200rpm 32mb,
    PSU
    Corsair HX650W
    Case
    Cooler Master Storm Scout
    Cooling
    Corsair H80 w/Noctua NF P12 12cm fan, case fans 2X14cm
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wave
    Mouse
    CM Sentinel
    Internet Speed
    Abysmal
    Browser
    Opera Next
    Other Info
    Dell Venue 8Pro: Baytrail Z3740D, 2GB Ram, 64GB HDD, 8" IPS Display 1280 x 800, Active Stylus.
    Haswell laptop: HP Envy 17t-j, i7-4700MQ, GeForce 740M 2GB DDR3, 17.3" Full HD 1920x1080, 16GB RAM, Samsung 840 Pro 128GB, 1TB Hitachi 7200 HDD,
    Desktop: eSATA ports,
    External eSATA Seagate 500GB SATA2 7200rpm,
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
 

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)
I'm a little confused on a couple of things about the upgrade. In the article it says that MS's upgrade offer for $39.99 does not include DVD media. If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing? Also, in the article it says, "No "fully packaged" Windows 8 product is available at retail. What is the difference between that which I would download forms MS and the "fully packaged" product?
I would appreciate it if you could clear this up for me. Thanks.

Full and complete explanation of ugrades, should you or shouldn't you!

HERE
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Pro 3
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics HD
    Screen Resolution
    2160 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD, 128GB MicroSD
    Internet Speed
    8GB
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
If I download the file I suppose it would be an ISO file. If I burn the file to a DVD wouldn't that be the same thing?
Hi Frank1 :)
I've a gut feeling that, it won't be an ISO file. This will most probably be a web installer.

Did you not read my previous post #8 ??? That information is from Microsoft.

Jim :cool:

Oh .... just missed it :p Thanks Jim :D All my doubts are clear. :thumbsup:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1, Windows 7, Linux Mint 14
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavillion g4
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-2330M CPU @ 2.20GHz
    Memory
    4 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    1 GB Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Generic PnP Monitor
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500 GB HDD
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