We already had a pretty good idea of how much various versions of Windows 8 would cost us, but we now have more official information. According to Microsoft, the pricing below should be found at most retailers and several (like NewEgg) are already starting preorders.
Here is what you can expect for Windows 8 on the retail front:
- Windows 8 Professional Upgrade – $69.99
- Windows 8 Pro Pack – Product Key Card – $69.99
- Windows 8 (Full Version) – OEM $99.99
- Windows 8 Pro (Full Version) – OEM $139.99
All of these prices are rather low compared to what we’ve seen in the past. That being said, it is still more than likely that these are all promotional prices.
There has been a lot of controversy and drama surrounding Windows 8, so if Microsoft can offer lower prices people might say, “Eh, for that money I will give it a try”. They try and love it, moving on from Windows 7 for good— at least that is the idea.
What else can we expect?
The $40 Windows Pro Upgrade
Well we already had a confirmed $40 discounted price for downloading Windows 8 Pro directly from Microsoft. Now it is confirmed that this ends on January 31st of 2013. The $14.99 upgrade offer to Windows 8 for Windows 7 PC purchasers also expires that day.
No Full Package Product SKU
Again this was announced before. Consumers with a new PC or virtual machine or whatever can simply buy the OEM version. There is no massive retail boxed bundle here. Considering these packages cost near $300 in the past, I say good riddance.
Preorder your Windows 8 Device Today
We have already seen several vendors show off their Windows 8 devices, but now we can get more information about pricing. Microsoft is allowing vendors to start the preorder process for their devices – if they choose – today. Of course if you are the Home Shopping Network, you already started offering Windows 8 PCs a while back…
If you are interested in Windows 8 at all, buy it now. All of the prices we have above are said to likely be holiday promotions in order to push the new OS. More than likely, they will all dry up sometime in January and be replaced by costs that are $100+ more.
If you might build a new PC sometime in 2013— might be a good idea to pick up a copy ASAP and just tuck it away.
Anyone excited with the pricing or were you hoping for better deals? Can’t get much better than the $40 upgrade though, expect for perhaps the price of FREE. Not going to happen.
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