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The Windows Blog has a pricing structure listed, and what a deal! This is for Win 8 Pro and includes the Media Center at NO ADDITIONAL COST! If this is indeed true (no reason to doubt it) Win 8 Pro here I come x2
Still no word of the possible release dates!
would say it true Ted as official microsoft and windows twitter are tweeting it
Microsoft@Microsoft
RT @Windows Just announced: upgrade to #Windows8 Pro for $39.99 Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99
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Dave, Ummm, your link is the same I posted. Thanks for verifying about Twitter. I do not have an account.
yes i realised it same link it was only that was in the twitter post i copied Ted but it sure is a good deal think it for upgrade version though be interest to see full version price
Should not need a Full Version. The article explains that if upgrading from an existing version you can boot to a DVD and choose Custom install and format as part of the installation. It does however advise not to format ahead of time as this is an upgrade media.
As always, when the time comes, make sure you have a complete Image of your existing OS ready to go in case something bad happens. I know I will.
Monday, Microsoft announced a promotion that later this year will let users of Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 PCs upgrade to the new Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.
Even though he declined to label the price as "aggressive," analyst Stephen Baker of the NPD Group acknowledged that it signaled Microsoft seriousness about getting as many people as possible to adopt the new operating system.
"It's even more important this time around," said Baker, referring to the gamble Microsoft is taking with the dramatically different Windows 8 and its new Metro user interface [UI].
The deal kicks off when Microsoft launches Windows 8 later this year, and offers the most advanced retail version of the new OS, Windows 8 Pro, as the upgrade.
Microsoft has yet to divulge the release date for Windows 8 or the regular prices of either Windows 8 Pro or the lower-cost Windows 8. Most analysts expect the company to debut its newest Windows for Intel- and AMD-powered desktops, notebooks and other devices this fall. If the company makes its "release to manufacturing," or RTM, milestone later this month, as seems likely, it could launch the OS in October.
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Thanks threeone. I merged our two separate threads into one thread. It will be easier for all to see the entire discussion in this way.
This sounds almost too good to be true! I have an old Retail version of XP Pro laying in a drawer next to me, I can install it, just let the Genuine Advantage updates go through, & that will be that. No need to waste time on this (fully updating the OS), as MS is only going to be looking for an activated, validated, genuine version of the qualifying OS's.
Beats the crap out of $200+ dollars. Hopefully, the clean install with this upgrade media will work.
Seriously, I read this article, & was actually drooling from the mouth!
Cat
If you read the article I linked you will see it actually mentions the upgrade path and format during the install. It also mentions not formatting the partition ahead of time, but allowing the format to be done during the install. Also see that this is for Win 8 Pro and includes installing Media Center at NO ADDITIONAL COST! The only additional cost would be $15 if you wish an official MS DVD. I will burn my ISO file to DVD anyway, so the $39.99 would be the whole cost (plus applicable taxes of course.) According to this, there is no need to buy a full version unless you have a new HD, and as you mention, just throw an old version of Windows on just to allow installation from the Upgrade Media.
This is wonderful! It's high time that MS gives it's loyal users the deals that Apple users gets, one of their recent OS upgrades was only $24.95 or $29.95, anyway less than $30.
I have an old Retail version of XP in a drawer, that's what I'll use as "qualifying media" to upgrade from. No need to worry about completely updating it, just activate it, allow the Genuine Advantage updates to run, verifying that it's MS Genuine software, the other updates won't be necessary or needed. MS isn't looking for that.
Plus, I'll get to keep my 2 current versions of Windows 7 by doing this. With all of this saved money, it looks like I can probably get one of those Hybrid HDD's that I wanted for my desktop. I was originally looking at at least $200 for the OS via a TechNet subscription, but they are getting more & more restrictive. So far, it hasn't happened to me, but there's word that these OS's may come with time limits (say like 6 to 12 months). I have at least 4 that's been installed for 2 years, but with this kind of deal, no need to chance it.
And still, I have 2 unused Office 2010 Pro Plus COA's, so that will allow me to keep a modern Office until the next version of Windows in 2015.
WOW, my HP desktop gets a 3 year reprieve! So when are the pre-orders going to begin?
Cat
That's what I'm going to do Ted, is just install that Retail version of XP Pro on there, simply for MS's requirements. I read that the actual format had to be done with the Win 8 Pro install disk, seems that this was similar to Win 7's install procedure.
This is going to be exciting, now we're going to see the real interest in Win 8 pouring forward. Once this deal kicks in, Windows 7's momentum will effectively be shot down from the sky, leaving XP's all time high usage record in January 2007 (77% Worldwide usage) intact & unbroken.
Cat
With all of this good news, here comes the bad. Once this deal kicks in, probably on Day 1 of Windows 8's Retail availability, Windows 7 usage is going to take a hit. There is no way that the OS can continue sell 7 copies per minute, or second, whichever was reported, while Win 8 Pro will probably be selling like hotcakes, perhaps even faster than Windows 7 did.
Being that many of the remaining XP users left are the real diehards of the OS, I expect Windows 7 usage to be the first to be reporting decreasing numbers (losses). XP will retain their all time high worldwide usage number posted in January 2007, and it's very possible that Windows 7 usage could fall as fast, if not faster, than it rose.
At any rate, something's got to give. There are only so many computer users, with it's obvious superiority over previous versions of Windows, including 7, Windows 8 Pro is going to one big hit come this fall.
Speaking of Windows 7, doesn't it seem kind of odd that SP1 support is going to run out early next year w/o a beta in sight to replace it? I beta tested SP1 for months before it was official. And at first, the raw SP1 wasn't pretty, especially the uninstall. Don't expect any differences with SP2. My point being, SP's are supported 24 months per the MS Lifecycle Policy.
It could very well be that MS is willing to sacrifice it's consumer (home) users in regards to 7, & allow it to become a business/corporate OS for awhile. This would in effect, almost force the home user to consider this upgrade, especially being that in 2 & a half years (01/13/2015), Win 7 users will be in the very same boat as XP users of today. No new IE, WMC, & other modern, up to date features.
Some food for thought. After all, I hope that no one was foolish enough to believe that the excitement of 2009 could sustain itself for 5+ years. It'll be lucky to for 3.
Cat
Hmmm, I just might have an OS install disc laying around somewhere... Phaaaaauuuufff <----- me blowing the dust off a Vista Disc (this would be a good deal considering MS gave it to me as a "Thank you" for beta-testing Vista). I'll add Win8 somewhere, somehow, maybe but, won't blow my Win7 away for it. Oh, look, here's an XP Box... wonder if I remember how to install XP; that was so many years ago. I was just getting out of high school & cars were required to have seat belts.
I wonder about the clean from Upgrade, too. Oh, hell, it would have to be clean from XP... totally different platform.
Cheers,
Drew
I'm with you Drew, I'm not blowing my Win 7 installs away. Because I have $180 tied up in Windows Anytime Upgrade to Pro COA's, one barely over 1 year old. And I know that you probably need Windows 7 for your occupation.
I was looking a few minutes ago, the dust is quite thick on my XP install kit, but fortunately, it hasn't been removed from the shrink wrap. It was bought for someone who backed out of downgrading Windows 7 back in 2009, being that I had a tight schedule at the time, he gave it to me for the missed job. This is when Full Retail XP was still available at Newegg. Being that I bought a TechNet subscription shortly afterwards, I used those instead.
So it worked out well for me, or I hope that it does. I may buy 2 of these offerings, once they go online for pre-purchase. I fully expect 100 million copies of Windows 8 Pro to be sold prior to launch date.
Cat
Yeah, well, who knows, maybe 8 will be received in larger quantity than some ppl try to suggest. Frankly, sometimes I think the nay-sayers just don't 'get it'.
Bit-Locker To Go is a fine new feature.
Drew
I will just Image my Win 7 just before the install, then install Win 8 Pro there. With a new Image just before the installation, I will be able to get Win 7 back if needed.
I think I will also be updating my wife's PC. I will have a small learning curve for her, but assuming I can set Win 8 Pro up the same way for both of us. We both already have our data partitions separate from the OS. Our 2 PC's are almost identical.
Of course we will always recommend the Clean Install method rather than the Upgrade Install. And of course, many people out there will not follow our recommendations and our work load will increase substantially.
That you can count on, Ted. On this forum & probably many others, as well as other outlets, there are, or soon will be, detailed instructions on how to proceed.
But the thing is, or will be, those who think that they know it all, won't bother imaging their computer beforehand, will botch the install & turn to us (as well as other forums) blaming everyone but themselves. In particular, MS. I don't care what the task at hand is, I always read the instructions before proceeding. Note that sometimes, this does require a magnifying glass to read the fine print, one sheet with 6 languages, but I do read, as there are almost always cautions.
And I fully expect this, it was the same with Windows 7. Not to mention the questions "should I choose the 32 or 64 bit option", users trying to install their hardware/software from the Clinton era & wonder why it's not working, and tons of other already answered questions.
But at least these users will be serious ones, they will have cash tied up into the OS, & though some will screw up the first time, they will want to get it right. It's just my hope that the users who installed their own Windows 7 OS's has learned from any mistakes made & will at least read before proceeding.
It's not like there's a lack of info on this, one who is intelligent enough to navigate to the download page, there will be additional warnings, as well as Upgrade Adviser software to check for compatibility issues prior to purchase.
Cat
Face it, We'll be busy as hell, no 2 ways about it.
TM, you had better stick with us during this phase, even though you are keeping Win XP. I need an auld phart to keep me in line.
TM is a highly regarded adviser here & elsewhere, we need him to stay, regardless of how busy we are. He has probably forgotten more than I'll ever know about computing. Regardless of the OS being installed, some things remains the same.
I even have an XP computer that my wife really likes & I keep it maintained for her, though other than upkeep, I seldom use it. Upkeep is something that all OS's of all versions (& brands) requires.
TM is also a highly regarded friend to me, & I've sought advice from him on non-Win 8 issues.
Yes, we're certainly going to have our hands full, & then some. I'm hoping that contributing members joins us & give us a hand, as well as current members who are knowledgeable about computer hardware/software joining in the discussions here. Any & all legit advice will be greatly appreciated, no matter the experience level, or length of membership.
Cat
Now if they will give us a release date, we can start making our plans. The nice thing about my setup is that all data is on my data drive so after I install Win 8 Pro in my Win 7 partition, all I will have to do is point to those data folders from Win 8 Pro to start using my up to date data. I have already stored all my activation keys for my various paid apps in my Last Pass profile so they are easily available when I start installing my apps. I will have all .exe installation files on my flash drive to all my apps. I have my customizations all jotted down so that chore will be quick as well.
Bring on Win 8 Pro. I'm ready.
We had 2 separate threads discussing this exact same thing with good information in both. I have merged these 2 threads into a single Sticky Thread so anyone reading this info will not miss an important discussion point.
I plan to buy 2 of these when pre-orders goes online (I presume that registered Windows users will also get a email with this promo), next month. One for both computers that's running Windows 7 (my desktop is also running 8 RP, & is included in the two).
There's a strong chance that I may not install it on my notebook for awhile, if I purchase now, can I install it at my leisure, say like 1 to 2 years from now & be OK? I'd like to wait until SP1 is released prior to that install.
The question may seem silly, but I'm serious. I'd rather wait until SP1 is released, & want to be assured that MS will honor it's word.
Cat
I would assume you can purchase Win 8 and install it whenever you wish, but the download would probably have to be done now rather than waiting for a couple of years.
I'm going to download & install Windows 8 Pro on my desktop upon retail availability, that's no problem. But since I'm planning on buying 2 COA's (keys), there shouldn't be a need to download twice, as both computers are 64 bit.
The extra key is what I'm asking about, is there a mandatory activation period for them? I know it's a time limited offer, the actual purchase, but I want to move my notebook to Windows 8 when I'm ready, be it 6 months or 2 years, not on MS's time frame. If that's the case, I'll buy only 1 COA for my desktop.
I'll already have the ISO burned to disk & the extra key bought & paid for. So far, I haven't seen a time restriction on when it has to be activated. Just a time limited offer to purchase it.
Cat
Can't answer that my friend.
October 26, here we come! I've already bought a new HDD to install it on, it'll be here tomorrow. For $79 after promo code, an Enterprise/Server HDD built to run 24/7, a deal hard to pass on. After all, a new OS deserves a new HDD.
Newegg.com - Western Digital RE4 WD5003ABYX 500GB 7200 RPM 64MB Cache SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive -Bare Drive
They still have them.
Cat
Warranty
The Windows 8 Pro upgrades obtained via these promotional prices will include 90-days of no-charge support from Microsoft which will begin at the moment the Windows 8 installation and activation is completed.[
I agree that it is high time Microsoft aggressively promotes a new OS like Win8 in this manner...;) They'll need to do that anyway with Win8, and not just because of the Metro controversy. For most people, Win7 is literally "good enough"--and Microsoft's real problem moving ahead is how to convince people to upgrade software they believe has no need for upgrading in the first place. I don't doubt that this kind of deep discounting is going to be the norm for Microsoft OS version releases from here on out. Microsoft cannot have its cake and eat it, too--the company cannot artificially shrink the time between OS version releases to a mere three years or so and then expect people to be willing to pay out maximally to upgrade. Five to seven year gaps would be more reasonable, and provide more time for new technology to develop that could be be better supported by a new OS version--and in the process create a larger pent-up demand for a new OS. The time between the Win7 and Win8 release is so short, imo, that there is almost no "pent-up" demand for a new OS from Microsoft at all! So, Microsoft has got to work at creating that demand and a $39.99 price tag is just the ticket!...;)Quote:
Originally Posted by catilley1092
But I hear too many people talk about the low, low price of OS X version upgrades while it's clear they really haven't thought much about it all. Apple insists that you buy your computer from Apple or it won't allow you to run OS X on it, no matter how little you paid for the software...;) OTOH, Microsoft has always allowed its users to pick and choose their hardware without insisting they use a Microsoft-branded computer to run Windows. Huge difference there. Windows will run on everything, including a Mac--OS X won't run on anything *besides* a Mac. Windows has always been worth major premiums over OS X simply because Windows supports tons more hardware than OS X right out of the gate. I have no objection to Apple charging what it will for OS X, but it's not the same thing as Microsoft deciding what to charge for Windows--it's not even close. There are all kinds and categories of hardware for which OS X drivers are unobtainable at any price whereas Windows drivers are readily available. How do you put a price on that kind of advantage? Nevertheless, here's Win8 Pro & MP coming in at $39.99! Apple cannot touch that offer with a 30-foot-pole...;)
Unless you are opting for the DVD package--just download direct--and get up and running on October 26th, 2012, I believe!Quote:
WOW, my HP desktop gets a 3 year reprieve! So when are the pre-orders going to begin?
Cat
It would be great to be in the category that we could get the RTM when released in August. I'm not so I guess I'll have to wait until Oct 26th.
I will never own a Mac in this household! I demand to be able to customize my OS, and I demand to purchase the H/W I wish from the reseller I wish without Apple telling me what I can or can not do! I also demand the free S/W that is available from where ever I can get it, not the offerings that Apple sees fit to let me have. Apple is just way too restrictive for their overpriced PC's, so thanks, but no thanks.
Just checking, did y'all notice this entry of mine, from a couple days ago??
Warranty
The Windows 8 Pro upgrades obtained via these promotional prices will include 90-days of no-charge support from Microsoft which will begin at the moment the Windows 8 installation and activation is completed.
This is in conjunction w/ the $16 conversion of a new Win7 machine to Win8 and the $40 Win8 Upgrades. Inarguably the adds to the "good deal" value.
Cheers,
Drew
Attachment 850
Don't worry, the naysayers will still be looking for any little morsel of bad publicity or bad info they can find to cling to, in the hopes of pointing out why Win 8 is "so bad".
I feel that the naysayers, especially those who were producing those silly anti-Win 8 videos, took a dagger to the heart after the $39.99 price was announced. At this price, anyone with a computer built to run Vista forward should be able to run & deploy Windows 8 Pro.
The exception being those ultra small, overpriced netbooks, many of which were pushed by the cell providers to sign a 2 year data contract. Those netbooks does sound expensive now, doesn't it? I was offered one less than a year ago for $50, by the original owner, only 2 months old. But I can't see those small monitors, reminds me of those 7" portable TV's that one can plug into a lighter/accessory socket, who can see that crap?
However, I knew of someone who wanted a notebook or netbook of any type, cheap & in good condition, as long as it ran Windows, it has 7 Starter on it. He needed it for his daughter for school, was unemployed at the time & I knew he was good for the money, so I bought it. He paid me back $10 per month, plus an unexpected extra $10 for helping him at a time when he was down came in the mail with a thank you card.
Anyway, I just can't see how anyone with a computer that meets the specs can refuse this deal, it's so sweet.
As far as Apple goes, their products won't enter my home. Why is that? Their products are too overpriced for the average user, be it a computer, phone or music gadget. I can buy 2 quality Windows computers for the price of one of Apple's mid-level iMacs (an i5, 6GB RAM, 500GB HDD for $1,600). That number really increases with their phones, & I don't give a rat's tail for an iPod. I grew out of spending lots for music long ago.
Cat
WaltC,Quote:
Originally Posted by WaltC
Great post! Your thoughts are spot on! Hope you keep posting!
overhard
Very good info in your post, Walt! One thing to keep in mind, though. MS has always had a pattern in place for upgrading to a new OS, that is, except for a later XP replacement. I don't really recall the reason for the 5 year gap between XP & Vista (the one consumer OS that had a long gap in between releases), perhaps XP's success at the time was a factor, I'd have to research that.Quote:
Originally Posted by WaltC
But certainly, there has been 3 year upgrades since Windows Vista, & MS has long ago announced that every released OS has a particular life span, Windows 8 won't be an exception to that rule.
The good thing is, it looks as if MS has smelled the roses & lowered it's new version costs. One thing that can be considered a contributing factor, besides the obvious steep competition, is that there's no longer an excuse to run pirated Windows OS's. I've read one article that agreed with this, that it would very well possibly allow a pirated OS to pass the check...to permanently blacklist such keys, giving the good old black screen to potentially thousands of users. This would in turn, give these users an option to get legal the same way, by purchasing Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. Cost would no longer be a factor, as MS adjusts prices based upon the region, some (citizens of impoverished countries) would pay less than $39.99 USD. Which is fine with me, it's no wonder why pirating Windows is so rampant.
After all, getting $40 is far better than allowing freeloading, not to mention the risk of allowing these systems to continue running, which poses a risk to some degree to us all. So in a sense, that $40 offer is hanging out there for more reasons than one.
I'm very much ready for 10/26 to get here, & hope that you all are as well.
Cat
This is good deal at $40.00 for it!
I honestly can't see where one could go wrong with buying it. Even if there were minor issues to be corrected after the purchase, within reason (I'm not speaking of an install on a 10+ year old computer), but there are some things like built in wi-fi cards, that may cause a BSOD during the install. Hey, it won't be the 1st time it's happened. I've had a couple of express type wi-fi cards cause BSOD's with Dell Latitudes running XP Pro.
On my HP desktop, I have to make 3 to 5 attempts at a clean install, or a reset (which actually takes longer), it loads fine, then after reboot, exactly at 74% each time, it gives the good old BSOD. Finally, after a few attempts (at which point I'm ready to put my fist through the screen), it'll install.
I say it's the wi-fi card because, strangely, this same one worked perfectly on 8 CP, it installed the 1st time, every time. There were no BSOD's between 02/29 & 05/31 (8 CP), not a single one. RP, although a more complete OS, started this crap from the 1st install, though that time, it did go through on the 2nd attempt.
Also, it's the only non-functioning component listed in the Device Manager (Qualcomm Atheros AR5007EG wireless network adapter), don't know where the "Qualcomm" came from, on my OEM (Win 7 Pro x64 install), it shows as "Atheros AR5007EG wireless network adapter". Being that it worked, I don't recall if it said "Qualcomm" or not in the Device Manager, no need to look when all is working.
The only thing that I know to try is to disconnect the component, I don't use it anyway, it's a "G-54Mbps" connection, I have a couple of USB "N-150" wi-fi adapters that works much better & has longer range. My only issue with this, is that the computer is still under warranty through mid-November, if there were any obvious tampering (this cheap computer's case is made entirely of plastic, a tutorial stated that it was easily cracked or broken), my claim would be denied.
These All-In-One (AIO) computers are the hardest computers to work on, much more so than a notebook. Fortunately, there were RAM & HDD covers, these components were easily upgraded. But it would also be great to have an extra fan in there, somewhere, if it could fit. Currently, I'm forcing cooler air through the hard drive opening with a small personal desktop fan, both MB & CPU temps drops dramatically. Without the fan, these temps rises to the lower to mid 60's (C), running it, they drop to the upper 40's. Plus the HDD drops from 42C to 28-29C, sometimes 26. These lowered temps will lead to a longer lasting computer, if only 3 more years.
But once that warranty has expired (with still 2 & a half months on the promo), I can go for it, remove the wi-fi card, clean the PC up & the BSOD's should be fixed. Anyway, I don't even use the wi-fi card, I use the Ethernet connection on the rear of the PC.
For $40 + local taxes, I'll have plenty of time to get it right. Personally, I can't see where anyone with a computer designed to run Vista & forward can't run Windows 8. Those computers that are currently running Vista SP2, if they could, would probably give it's owner a hug for installing it. These has a lot to gain in freed up resources, would probably run faster & cooler too.
I'm very much looking forward to 10/26. Hope MS has plenty of servers open, & get this ball going first thing in the morning. It's not like they wouldn't have an excuse NOT to be ready, as MSDN/TechNet subscribers can get the OS soon, if not now.
Cat
Absolutely, it bloody well is that!! Yep, no 2 ways about it... getting a shiny, new OS for $40, that's it in a nutshell;
As in, wow!
Whatever one felt about it or did w/ it, for $40 bucks...
( AND that's w/ 6 mos. FREE support!!)
Cheers,
Drew
Attachment 962
I've spent that much money many times over on dining out with my wife, & 6 months of support didn't come with it. One night, mabye....
I forgot to state in my post above, that I have a notebook that runs Windows 8 RP perfectly, no BSOD's, Hyper-V is enabled (my hardware supports it), & on a SSD, it runs fast as h.... you figure out the rest. From a push of the power button to having a usable browser in 15 seconds, before the AV has a chance to update, beating Win 7 Pro by 6 seconds, shuts down in 3 seconds.
Whether it's on a SSD or mechanical HDD, Windows 8 RP beats Windows 7 hands down when it comes to speed, lowered system resource usage (proven by longer battery life), built in security, Hyper-V for VM's (comparable to VMWare Workstation), customizable, & fully automated maintenance, to name a few.
Who can beat all of this for $40? And for a family that has several computers, the savings really adds up. Remember, this is Windows 8 Pro that we're speaking of here, in the past, any Windows OS with the "Pro" name, upgrades were close to $200, Full versions were $300. This still holds today for Full Retail versions for Windows 7 Pro, as well as XP Pro today.
There is no guarantee that Windows will be priced this low again, none whatsoever. We're the benefactors of major change & innovation in motion. And for $40, the whole package is ours.
Don't let it slide away, fearing the future, because Windows is still Windows, the brand that powers 90+% of the computers on the planet. Features have changed, we have a new look & feel, that's the way it is with anything worth buying. Anything stuck years in the past, with no new anything, it's not worth buying anyway.
The really great thing, as Drew mentioned above, we get 6 months worth of professional support with this $40 purchase. It would cost more than that to call MS for support on a XP or Vista OS, one single time. The folks at MS is there for us, should we need them, & have always been.
It's going to be no different here, if there is any, it's likely that we won't even need to call MS. There's going to be plenty of guidance, how-to articles, everything that we need to deploy Windows 8 Pro. And don't forget the Free Media Center addon.
All of this for $40, more than a tank of gas for the most of us. Get it while you can!!
Cat
