Windows 8

[JuliaF]

Looking for a laptop but want to wait until Windows 8 is released? Future Shop has announced a great promotion where you can upgrade your PC (laptop, desktop, Windows-based tablet) from Windows 7 to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99, when Windows 8 is released.

You can find all the details surrounding this Windows 8 upgrade here. This offer is valid from Jun 2 2012 - Jan 31 2013.

Windows 8 is getting some great reviews - can't wait to see it in action.

[Drax86]

From personal experience with Windows 8 so far, I am going to avoid it completely

[HP_fan]

Please keep in mind that the final release will not be like the preliminary copies. I have spoken to several sources who point out there is still a lot in the making and they expect to see Windows 8 really solid. This is a great upgrade program as it is being started earlier than most launches and extends all the way to end of January. So those of you looking to buy a PC now, don't wait for windows 8, you can guarantee your copy today with the purchase of any PC!

[OfficialAK]

Hi, I would like to know if I would have to personally mail and receive male to claim the windows 8 or can I just download the windows 8 online when it is available?

[Juice0904]

I imagine it will work similar to the offer for Windows 7 when it was available, in that there will be a page set up where you choose the manufactirer of your computer and the copy of Windows 8 will be sent from there. This way the manufacturer also includes a DVD that contains all the appropriate drivers for your specific machine. Windows 8 is nice, but if you don't have the right drivers for your hardware, it's useless.

JB

[Tanarus]

You can find the details to the Windows 8 Upgrade offer here. You'll be purchasing a download of the software, which you can then copy to USB or burn to disk. For an additional fee, you can have your upgrade copy mailed to you.

[mtrump]

For those folks who bought a PC before June 2 2012 (which means you do not qualify for the $19.99 upgrade), you can also upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 (US pricing; CDN pricing maybe slightly different).  If you decide to buy a copy from local stores, the cost is $69.99.

- the purchase can be made directly from Microsoft's site windows.com

- you can create your own media (as a backup disc) or you can get a backup copy mailed to you for a fee

- for a limited time, you can get a media center add-on pack for free after the PC has Windows 8 running (previously it was announced that media center add-on will cost extra and Microsoft received plenty of angry comments about that).

This pricing is valid until Jan 31, 2013.

Source:  http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/02/upgrade-to-windows-8-pro-for...

Also, for those who are running the Release Preview version, you can upgrade directly to the released version from preview, without reinstalling the previous released version of Windows.

Source:  http://www.zdnet.com/microsoft-confirms-windows-8-testers-to-get-40-upgrade-price-too-7000000409/

[yihuang]

I don't personally have great feelings about the preview version of Windows 8, which means it's better to buy a laptop with Windows 7 that get's the upgrade to Windows 8 because now you can choose between the two, just remember to burn recovery dvds.

[Credible_Chris]

I'm with you.  I just bought a new laptop precisely so I could avoid Win8 for the next 3 years.  I do not agree with Microsoft's "one-size-fits-all" philosophy across all platforms.  Besides, I love Windows 7, and I can continue to love it unabated for the next several years.

[firesmile_01]

If it's anything like the upgrade disc fiasco with Windows 7, if you install Windows 8 and then have to reinstall with a fresh copy on a new harddrive, most users will need to install Windows 7 again, and then re-upgrade to Windows 8 again.

Way to go Microsoft for Upgrade Discs! LOL! I have been a user of both Pro and Server versions of Microsoft software for years and yes, I LOVE Windows 7, but the reinstall process (without hacks) required TWO OS re-installs to be done the way they wanted it done. First, Re-install XP Pro, and THEN, reinstall Windows 7.

IF that's the same way in this Windows 8 upgrade disc, I know for one that I won't be going for an upgrade disc this time round. Respect my time as much as you respect my money.

Microsoft, this from a long time consumer: ONCE BURNED, TWICE SHY!