Windows 8 Pro upgrade for new PC buyers set at $14.99

[tezza]

Microsoft’s usual plan is to offer a free upgrade to users of older versions of Windows to bump up to the next release version. This time around there will be a cost, according to sources.

Those who shell out for a Windows 7 PC in the coming months will receive a discounted upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $14.99, according to sources speaking to Paul Thurrott.

The deal could start as early as the first week in June at around the same time as the company gears up for its final preview of the next version of Windows.

The paid upgrade will apply to any new PC buyer with Windows 7 Home Basic or higher installed.

CNET’s Mary Jo Foley first reported Microsoft’s ongoing commitment to providing PC buyers with promotions during the run-off period to its older operating systems to help lock-in new and existing customers.

Microsoft normally offers free upgrade packages to older editions of Windows that correspond to newer versions: Windows Vista Home Premium users would be given a free ticket to Windows 7 Home Premium if a PC was bought in the months running up to Windows 7’s release, for example.

But Microsoft has thrown a spanner in the works by offering only two versions of Windows 8.

The two consumer versions are aptly named Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro. There are two more editions: Windows 8 for enterprise, though its final name has not yet been announced, and Windows RT, a tablet version designed for ARM-powered tablets.

As Thurrott notes, the Windows 8 Release Preview — the final glimpse of the forthcoming operating system before its expected October launch — is set for the first week of June. Available for download only, it will allow consumers and enterprises alike to prepare for the changes.

Microsoft’s choice of naming Windows 8 Pro suggests a small- to medium-sized business angle. Unfortunately, it’s not quite the case. Microsoft has already taken a lot of heat from customers after it said the entry-level Windows 8 version would not come equipped with Windows Media Center. It also rejects more high-end features such as encryption reserved for Windows 8 Pro users.

But who knows: with the back-to-school season starting soon, students and academics may still be given a free pass.

http://www.zdnet.com...t-at-1499/77015

[calguyhunk]

Here's the thing I don't get. When Vista came in, XP was still more than good enough. As it turned out, people were busy downgrading from the supposedly newer and better (and shinier :P) OS - All bling, no drivers :o

And now that W8 is coming up, how many will actually pay to go from 7 to 8? This current one works great for almost anybody without a distaste for MS. How many will pay $100+ for a new OS that they don't need (or even want, in most cases)? Untested new software with a weird (new) interface that takes re-leaning your PC knowledge practiced (if not perfected :P) over the last 17 years? In place of tried and tested (and much praised, may I add after the Vista fiasco) Win7?

Only for Vista/XP users maybe, but I can't see W7 users taking the bait ;)

And that's just the consumers. The corporates? Forget 'bout it. Most aren't even done rolling out Win7! Takes up so much time, money and energy to train personnel that it's an exercise in futility from MS, methinks :think:

[LiLmEgZ]

Nice damn price..... I will at least be using the RC Release Preview when it comes out next month as I have a buncha things to test on it

[Ganxxta]

Here's the thing I don't get. When Vista came in, XP was still more than good enough. As it turned out, people were busy downgrading from the supposedly newer and better (and shinier :P) OS - All bling, no drivers :o

And now that W8 is coming up, how many will actually pay to go from 7 to 8? This current one works great for almost anybody without a distaste for MS. How many will pay $100+ for a new OS that they don't need (or even want, in most cases)? Untested new software with a weird (new) interface that takes re-leaning your PC knowledge practiced (if not perfected :P) over the last 17 years? In place of tried and tested (and much praised, may I add after the Vista fiasco) Win7?

Only for Vista/XP users maybe, but I can't see W7 users taking the bait ;)

And that's just the consumers. The corporates? Forget 'bout it. Most aren't even done rolling out Win7! Takes up so much time, money and energy to train personnel that it's an exercise in futility from MS, methinks :think:

Exactly my thoughts...

[calguyhunk]

Nice damn price..... I will at least be using the RC Release Preview when it comes out next month as I have a buncha things to test on it

That "nice" $15 price is only for people buying from the next month onwards. You and I are not gonna get any concession (If I had a genuine product key, that is :P).

Oh! wait...Microsoft's own website tells me it's genuine! so it must be :w00t:

Well, at least it's a Digital River download ;)

[mastershake]

lol same here but i dont think win 8 will be so easy... bios mods are a cake walk for win7 but with win 8 at least so far it doesnt seem that way

[keyman]

Here's the thing I don't get. When Vista came in, XP was still more than good enough. As it turned out, people were busy downgrading from the supposedly newer and better (and shinier :P) OS - All bling, no drivers :o

And now that W8 is coming up, how many will actually pay to go from 7 to 8? This current one works great for almost anybody without a distaste for MS. How many will pay $100+ for a new OS that they don't need (or even want, in most cases)? Untested new software with a weird (new) interface that takes re-leaning your PC knowledge practiced (if not perfected :P) over the last 17 years? In place of tried and tested (and much praised, may I add after the Vista fiasco) Win7?

Only for Vista/XP users maybe, but I can't see W7 users taking the bait ;)

And that's just the consumers. The corporates? Forget 'bout it. Most aren't even done rolling out Win7! Takes up so much time, money and energy to train personnel that it's an exercise in futility from MS, methinks :think:

Very well said! Can't see myself upgrading to W8 any time soon :D