Windows 8 Pro $68.88 + Free $30 Amazon Credit through 10/26

This deal seems to be getting people pretty excited over on Slickdeals, if you pre-order Windows 8 Pro right now at Amazon it's $68.88:

Amazon.com: Microsoft Windows 8 Pro: Software

And you get $30 of Amazon credit (a GC) 30 days after it's shipped. For me $30 in Amazon GC is as good as cash as I always shop there, so esentially this is a $38.88 deal on Windows 8 Pro. If you don't give a hoot about Windows 8, you can resell it later for likely close to $100 as the MSRP will be $199.99 after release.

Note, this is the upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro, not full. Not sure if there's a way to do a clean install using this.

 

At least with the W7 Upgrade disks, you could do a clean install on a HDD that has Windows already; just boot off the disc and you're presented with two different options. If your disk is already formatted, you could still use the upgrade disc, although you'd probably have to use a simple workaround.

Regardless, this is a great price for those who can't get W8 through their university, etc.

 

Microsoft Windows 8 Professional 1 User Upgrade PC) 978437 - Micro Center

 

$38.88 for Windows 8 Pro Upgrade? This sounds like a no brainer, I'm really considering this but I'm confused about the how "Upgrade" VS. "Full or Complete" versions. Can someone please explain this to me? I'm just so used to doing clean installs using a full complete Window 7 HP SP1 ISO and entering my license key on the sticker underneath my laptop to activate my copy. I've never messed around with "Upgrade versions" of Windows.

1. Do I get a license key with an "Upgrade version?"

2. Could I install the "Full or Complete version" of Windows 8 Pro using an ISO and activate it with a the "Upgrade version" license key?

3. Do I first need to have Windows 7 HP SP1 installed THEN install the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade version and activate with the provided license key?

4. Are there any advantages/disadvantages with going with Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Version in regards how files/folders or the OS functions? Or would it be worth it to go with the Full and Complete version instead?

5. What is the difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro?

 

It looks you need Windows 7, Vista, XP already installed but you can opt to 'keep nothing' on the upgrade and you'll get a fresh install. It might be a pain if you need to reinstall down the road since you'll need your previous version installed again.

Windows 8 editions - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Explains the different versions.

Edit: I've read some have been told by Microsoft that the Pro version can be used as a clean install.

 

I'm picking up my copy of Windows 8 Pro Upgrade later today. Total came out to $42.57 with tax ($3.69) here in Chicago. I'm pretty excited to install and use this on my E425. I've used Windows 8 for about 20 minutes tops but at this price I'm willing to give it a chance. I plan on doing a fresh install of W7HP SP1, then immediately install the W8Pro Upgrade, and finally installing the AMD W8 video and chipset drivers 12.10. Can't wait to see how fast my setup boots and shuts down as well as handle the GUI with my touchpad, mouse and trackpoint.

 

It seems that you can do a clean install with the Win 8 upgrade version, according to posters on Slickdeals:

Microsoft Windows 8 Pro Upgrade NOW available for purchase and install $40 - Slickdeals.net

Assuming this guy is being truthful, which there's no reason to believe he isn't, then it's an even better deal.

 

So I went ahead and bought my copy online and downloaded it. I saved the Windows 8 Pro ISO and burned the ISO to a DVD disc. I will be installing W8 soon, but Im concerned about some compatibility details.

For one, the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant says that "Secure Boot isn't compatible with your PC - Your PC's firmware doesn't support Secure Boot so you won't be able to use it in Windows 8." I'm waiting on Lenovo to update my E425's BIOS to fully support W8. What is Secure Boot for and is it really necessary that I have it right away?

 

HTG Explains: How Windows 8′s Secure Boot Feature Works & What It Means for Linux - How-To Geek

That's an explanation of Secure Boot.

I bought today and installed it. I was able to do a fresh install from the upgrade disc. Couldn't be any easier. I might pick up another copy if I need it again down the road.

 

Thanks atbnet! I didn't get a chance to search it myself but now I understand its purpose from the article you linked. I'm going to research it some more myself. I still haven't installed my copy of Windows 8 Pro...



Maybe this weekend if I get a chance.

 

To boil it down, it is just another security layer to make sure you aren't booting into a malware install. It's not a really a feature you are going to miss out on, but just be less secure. However, as long as you are at least somewhat computer savvy, I don't think it would be an issue for you. It is more or less a step to stop computers from being zombies on a botnet. It does present some challenges for Linux users on newer hardware so it has been in the press lately.

 

Yes, I'm just going to install and use W8 even without this security feature. Its not going to affect me much anyway. I'll keep my eyes peeled for a W8 UEFI/BIOS update from Lenovo.

Edit:
I installed it, so far everything is good. I really like the new Task Manager. Cool


W8P64_A8-3510MX_01 by davidc646, on Flickr

W8P64_A8-3510MX_02 by davidc646, on Flickr