Special Windows 8 Pricing available until January 31, 2012

08/23/12 In past posts I have written to advise consumers who bought new PCs or were considering a new computer about the $14.95 special upgrade offer for Windows 8 available to those who purchased a new computer after June 2, 2012.  Microsoft has announced special upgrade options for all users regardless of when they purchased their computer.

When Windows 8 officially launches on 10/26/2012, special upgrade pricing will be available for all users until it expires on 01/31/2013.  Microsoft previously announced its $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade pricing for existing Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 users — a price available exclusively online for those wishing to download the software without a DVD option. Retailers will stock a $69.99 Windows 8 Pro option in stores, one that may be offered as a traditional full version of Windows for those without a previous copy. Both the Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 Pro copies will be made available from retailers on October 26th

Microsoft's Windows 8 Pro software will be priced at $199 after the promotional price of $69.99 expires on January 31st 2013. The software maker will also offer a Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro upgrade option at retail stores for $69.99 until January 31st when the price reverts to $99.99.

Should you upgrade... I know the next question, would it be worth upgrading my older computer?

I have installed Windows 8 on an Acer Iconia Tablet, replacing the underwhelming Windows 7 that came installed and have also installed Windows 8 on a 5 year old Intel Duo Core desktop.  In the case of the Acer tablet the performance was improved significantly and it gave the tablet the features that I was expecting with a tablet.  Best of all, I was able to install MS Office 2007 and with my Bluetooth keyboard use my tablet as I would a notebook when needed.  The desktop I installed Windows 8 on performed as well if not better than before with Windows XP.  Although it lacked the touchscreen drag and swipe of a tablet, I used the mouse buttons to emulate that capability with no problem.

In the case of the older computers, I would not attempt to upgrade with less than 4 GB of RAM and if you are short on drive space then a new computer may be the best choice for you.  However, with the software priced at $39.99 for download and $69.99 for boxed product, I think not to purchase the upgrade would be a missed opportunity.  The following video states that the $69.99 boxed product can be installed as a new installation as well as an in place upgrade.  Below are some more links for your reading pleasure.

 

 

Installing Windows 8 on your old PC could turn it into Greased - Z

Windows 8 Boots on a 5 1/2 Year-Old PC in 8 Seconds! - YouTube        DForce Xtreme computers

Microsoft is taking sign-ups for Windows 8 Pro upgrade

08/22/2012 - As of Monday 08/20/2012 Microsoft started accepting sign-ups for the $15 Windows 8 upgrade. Anyone who purchased a new PC on 06/02/2012 or later is eligible for the offer. To register for the offer visit, WindowsUpgradeOffer.

The $14.95 upgrade will be available in the form of a download starting October 26, the official release date of Windows 8 and Microsoft's Surface Tablet.

If you have registered, you will be sent an email containing a link to an upgrade wizard which will check for compatibility and then guide you through the download/upgrade process. Microsoft will offer a DVD for an additional fee, plus shipping any applicable taxes/fees.

I would recommend that users download and create their own DVD or USB installation media rather than use the online upgrade.

To register for the $14.95 upgrade you will need the following:

PC Model Number 
Where/vendor where you bought it and on what date 
Valid phone number and e-mail 

You may need your Windows key, either on the side of your computer or on the package that your Windows installation media came in.

A plus for Windows Home Premium users is that all PCs will be upgraded to Windows 8 Pro version regardless of which Windows version is installed. The exception to this is computers running Windows 7 starter version which is not eligible for the upgrade.

To find out more about Windows 8 please visit the Microsoft Windows page where you can find out more and watch a MP4 presentation and check out other offers.  Click here to visit -> Windows 8 

To explore other opinions and info about Windows 8 please enjoy these links.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/261170/windows_8_15_upgrade_offer_faqs_for_recent_pc_buyers.html

http://www.pcworld.com/article/256650/windows_8_upgrades_cost_15_but_you_should_wait.html#tk.mod_stln 

http://www.pcworld.com/article/259917/microsoft_surface_tablet_your_next_windows_pc.html 


Microsoft Office 2010 discounted 15%. 
Microsoft has discounted Office 2010 15%, Home and Student version available as low as $119.99 (1 PC), $127.49 (up to 3 PCs).
 http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/home-and-student?WT%2Emc%5Fid=ODC%5FenUS%5FQ1offer%5FMainHP%5FTreatment#fbid=9J2xaOUDQDf


Finally a tale of caution and prevention to the Apple Fans.

http://www.zdnet.com/lessons-learned-from-the-recent-find-my-mac-remote-wipe-attack-7000002847/

DFORCE Xtreme computers (Windows 8 Ready)