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