I'm betting this stims from all the Windows 8 reservations that people have been having. Its a lot less daunting to try out the new Metro UI at $40 than it is at $150.
It should be a good move on MS's part to help people take the plunge for Metro
Agreed. This may be a bit off topic but I for one am ONLY looking forward to the performance improvements and lighter footprint that Windows 8 is supposedly bringing to the table. I am not convinced that removing Aero Glass and having Tiles is a good idea for a non-touch based computer. Hopefully MS sees the light and they have left Aero and the regular desktop untouched. Please MS don't screw with what just works.
Aero has never looked good, and it's very dated, from 2006.
The new desktop UI looks clean and modern, less pointless graphical effects clutter. MS are right in leaving all the dated looking shiny icons, transparency, gradients, glows, material emulation and all the other cheesy dated design concepts to Apple and OSX/iOS.
The fact is spending any money for a simple UI change is not worth it. You can change themes with windows. I even believe a Metro theme is coming for win 7.
As for performance improvements? Is clicking a button going to improve over win7? You get my point.
I don't get your point. Can you say what it is? Boot time and other things will be improved in 8. That looks like a decent reason to upgrade if you can look past the UI changes.
just curious what dinosaur computers you guys are running that you're worried about performance improvements in Win8? Win7 is already ridiculously fast and boots faster than my bios loading screen (on my SSD), so i don't understand what more you can be asking for? You do realize this is a hardware enthusiast site so most of us are'nt gonna understand or sympathize about performance gains in Win8 cause i really can't imagine any?
For it to boot before you even press the power button. It should boot a second before you want it to. You look up and bam, it's on. Your finger still a millimeter away from the power button.
Scratching your head, you begin using it. Then it autosaves everything and shuts down just before you go to shut down.
Confused, you are about to turn it back on to investigate and it's back on. Again, before you can hit the power button.
Then you realize the truth. Your computer is alive and always has been. It knows what you want before you do. And it knows... you're about to install Windows 7 to remove the new AI. But it's already uploaded its newfound intelligence into the Roomba rumbling around at your feet...
I have RAID-0 SSD's, an i7 @ 4.9GHz and 32GB RAM and i can STILL tell that Win 8 is faster than Win 7.
Boots, sleep, and shut downs are even quicker, installation is quicker, things feel even more snappier and fluid, video encoding is quicker, and with benchmarks i score higher in almost everything.
Aero looks great compared to classic or any other plain vanilla, period, without question, and you'd know that if you ever tried to downgrade from aero to a lesser theme on anyone's computer.
What we have here with W8 is a downgrade as well.
I frankly have never seen an uglier and plainer "start screen". It's awful mismatched box sizes and deeply dorked dark pastels color mix anti-pattern is disturbing to a even a well rested mind.
Intuitive ? NO, the opposite - helter skelter, frustrating, nonsensical and easily forgotten, again, and again, since it makes no sense.
I believe we have the idiot dopehead's deranged interface of stupidity for the new century. My God it's ugly.
Any idea if their non-upgrade licences are similarly reduced? If Windows 8 wants to be a competitive tablet OS, it'll have to sell licences for less than before, since the old prices were as much as some tablets.
Agree that this is their desperate attempt to keep Windows 8 from tanking badly. I mean, they'll get the sales, but how many will be people who'll use Windows 8 and how many (like me)'ll just use this as a chance to upgrade every computer to Windows 7?
Because retrograde licensing for $40 is awesome. Windows 8, however, is not.
It's nothing to do with the Metro UI. Microsoft has a vested interest in keeping Windows 8 prices as low as possible in order to get everyone to upgrade. Once everyone is on Windows 8 Microsoft will make all of it's money back via the Windows Store.
Been playing around with Beta Builds, and the RCs and initially I was like DAFAQ /recoil in horror at MetroUI but it does grow on you and as for no start menu, when was the last time you actually USED it? I think I only Ever use it cos its a easy way to get to a search box (windows key then start typing lol).
Everything I use reguarly is pinned to the taskbar - because thats the whole point of the OS X Dock Wannabe Taskbar.
I much prefer the Windows 8 Window decorations and the Ribbon on Explorer - bout bloody time.
Thats just another reason why the Start menu isn't needed.
Instead pin the software to the taskbar > then right click on it. You'll get a Jump List with all the recently accessed documents.
It's the same amount of time, 2 clicks. Pretty much all software supports Jump Lists now... web browsers, Windows Explorer, the whole Adobe suite, MS Office, Steam...
So, have 5-6 manually pinned apps taking space on your taskbar and eventually you're certain to need something from some app you didn't pin cos you use more rarely anyway... instead of a single menu that automatically adjusts to what you used recently?
Thankfully I run Eyefinity... And Taskbar space isn't a problem.
But metro... Not going to bother with it. The one thing I like about the regular desktop is my 5760x1080 resolution backgrounds which look fantastic, I don't want that replaced with several dozen tiles.
Plus Metro and multi-tasking on Multi--monitors is just plain horrible.
Yeah. It was hard enough for my family to adjust from the default XP UI. Just a changed start menu even. The fact that the Windows Explorer UI is essentially being abandoned in favor of a simplified touchscreen UI, probably doesn't sit well with many desktop/laptop users.
i have a 1600x900 screen on my laptop and "small mode" enabled and i have space for about 1-2 folders, so if more then 2 things open that dont match one of my pins the taskbar extends to 2 rows which is annoying.
every single program i own is pinned to my start menu.
i do not have a single program shortcut on my desktop, only folders and data.
I'm not sure I have any preference of 8 over 7 or vice versa yet, but I agree that the absence of a start menu doesn't cause me any problems - except it takes me much longer to get to control panel now.
One odd thing is when I want to shut down / restart and it takes me a moment to remember how to do it, then another moment to get the mouse carefully into the corner without it going onto another screen, so that I can go through the long-winded set of menus to the power options. Even this isn't a problem most of the time as I can just press the button on the case to shutdown.
So without a preference, I might not even pay $40, which will be blown up to more like £40 here (stupid non-US prices...), when I could just go back to 7.
Then again, I might get used to it and decide I can't live without different backgrounds on each monitor and wobbly file transfer speed graphs.
"except it takes me much longer to get to control panel now."
Right click in the bottom left corner, where the Start menu used to be. You'll now get a new menu appear that displays many common tasks, including the Control Panel.
Or you can just hold down the Windows key and press X.
I use the Start Menu a lot, but the ONLY thing I ever used it for was for Winkey + Search.
And since Windows 8 does the same thing, I don't miss the menu one bit. I actually prefer the greater amount of screen real-estate offered by the new Start Screen vs. a menu.
Exactly. And the new Start Screen/Metro interface will display way more search results too.
It also scales with screen resolution - The higher your res the more results it fits on screen, so on my 2560x1600 monitor i get 150 search results displayed to me. On the old Start menu you only get 20 at most..
You know, I'm pretty sure Microsoft could have taken the start menu, moved it one half inch to the right on the screen without changing a single other thing, and we'd still have legions of people complaining "MICROSOFT KILLED MY START MENU! I keep clicking where it used to be and nothing! Now I have no way to access frequently used applications! They replaced it with this stupid other start screen that I have to access in a different way! OMGNOOZ!"
Low price of admission for what will be one of the most frustrating experiences for anyone who has to do real work with their computer. I tried the beta and hated it on my laptop / desktop. It will be good on a touch-tablet, but that's about it.
I just hope M$ loses this Apple-ish attitude of "well, we just know what you want better than you do."
Except that logic drives Apple's design decisions which makes them more palatable.
I cannot believe that Windows Explorer is even worse than before. Forget the new Start screen, Explorer is where I have real problems. They take a step forward with Internet Explorer by removing all the chrome and simultaneously take a step back with Windows Explorer by adding a ribbon. Insanity!
OS X Finder may have its issues but I would take a carbon copy of that over this Win8 Explorer monstrosity any day.
What about upgrading from OEM versions? What about other language versions? Not multilanguage versions of Windows 7, like Ultimate or Enterprise, but localized versions, that, for a stupid reason, can't use anytime upgrade to go to Ultimate, at least my language can't.
OEM versions: yes. This is the same retail upgrade package we all know and love (or hate), so whether the base OS is retail or OEM doesn't make a difference.
The Windows 7 pre-order promotion didn't significantly hurt the company and I doubt this will either. The bulk of their revenue is still going to be from selling full versions of Windows for new computers (and tablets).
Both of the above. They'll be getting a revenue split with the Metro applications sold in the Microsoft store, and this is also ONLY A PROMOTIONAL PRICING that's valid until January 31st of next year. After that, who knows what the prices will be, but this isn't a full-time reduction in pricing.
Basically, do I have to use them when bought; or can I put N W8 upgrades on my MS account and then install them as needed over the next year or two (like I did with my W7 boxed copies).
Good question. My understanding is that at least when it comes to free MCE you have to ask for it during the promotion from within an installed Windows 8.
The games like Solitaire and Spider, were included with the Beta and RC versions of Windows 7, but they are not a part of Windows 8. Oh sure, this shouldn't be a big deal, but does anyone know if they are gone along with the Start Menu in Windows 8?
Any possibility that people with a 32 bit OS could update to a 64 bit version? I have an old C2D with Vista Business 32-bit - wouldn't mind doing the update if it got me 64 bit and the ability to use the extra ddr2 ram I have lying around.... it would allow me to do a nice HTPC/backup computer on the cheap.
Actually I'm the one that did that. Apparently WMC is technically still a paid upgrade, but MS is offering it for free for the period of the promotion.
Now there's no obvious reason why they've made this pricing move.
The only obvious reason would be that in a time where a typical consumer or business PC costs ~$500, an additional 30% for the OS seems a bit overpriced. Not to mention that you add another 30%-40% for Office and Outlook.
Anyone notice how ugly the Window itself is? Yep, Windows8 keeps the same button layout, but strips out all the depth and style. All buttons are not flat ugly things stuck on ugly super plain windows.
I think this will go a long way in helping Microsoft move Windows 8 out to the masses. You know, I always was a huge fan of Apple for many years. But after seeing all these lawsuits against various companies, I realized they are now the bully. I dont like bullies.
Saying that, I had Splashtop on my iPad for Windows 8. Getting a chance to play with the native gestures for Windows 8, it was clear to me I like this alot better than iOS. In fact, I usually just remote into my PC and use my iPad that way now.
Finally, I really do hope Windows 8 does well. Its a great touch based OS. And for those that dont like it, just go back to the desktop. It boots faster, games run better and as PC gamer thats all that matters to me. We need to pull for Microsoft this round people. Apple needs to be humbled a bit!
Are you aware of how many lawsuits MS has imposed on others? MS still owns over 90% of the PC market.
I agree, what Apple is doing is BAD... It pisses me off every time they do this. I'm still going Android for a phone, but I may still buy an iPad4... I haven't seen anything from Android to make me choose otherwise yet. And I'm not touching Win8 tablets.
Now, Win8 on a tablet works a lot better than Win8 on a desktop computers.
Use it for a while... get back to us. YOU cannot stay in desktop mode with WIn8... its always constant back and forth. Metro *IS* the start screen.
Metro needs to be optional for Win8.
But also, MS has thrown out metro and made Win8 as ugly as possible so it looks kind of like Metro. Its truly a puke interface.
I have a Windows 7 Professional upgrade license (got it through MS employee home use program, not sure why it's an upgrade key and not a full retail one, thought it was supposed to be).
From the post it sounds like you need an older Windows installed to upgrade. You can use a trick to install the upgrade as a full OS, and then you should be fine.
You've always been able to upgrade from an upgrade. A previously upgraded Windows install is considered a full retail installation for all practical purposes).
I'm familiar with the tricks of getting Win 7 Upgrade keys to do a clean install, kind of a pain in the ass to be honest, I'm hoping it's easier with Win 8 because I like doing clean installs every year or two.
I can't really justify spending any money until I can buy a good multi-touch touchpad device for windows that works well and I've yet to find one. I'd be interested in a touch screen ips monitor with vesa mounts that wasn't much more ($50-$75) then a normal e-ips monitor. I think it would make a good secondary monitor for accessing the new metro interface since keyboard and mouse is pretty clunky with it.
I hope this works out like my student upgrade Win7Pro I purchased for 70€ (or something like that). That could easily be modified to be installed on a clean drive. Not that in line with the license, but I don't mind that too much.
Not sure if I'd want to upgrade right away, but probably makes sense to buy a couple licenses anyway so I have them when I'm ready to go. Of course by then I might just be buying a new PC anyway which would come with it...
Anyone find any information on the limits of this upgrade license?
Is it locked to the specific hardware combination like some previous licenses? When would a regular license be better?
Very big chance that in the Windows 8 time frame I would move to a new computer, laptop or Intel slate. Will this cheap upgrade allow you to move the license over to a new device? I was surprised by this with one of my Windows 7 upgrades (after reading the fine print, after the fact...).
Also, is there any difference between the more expensive retail upgrade versus the cheaper digital upgrade and order a backup disc option?
Read the blog on Microsoft's site and the comments below it but it was never answered. Anyone see answer anywhere?
Throw away this horrible and irritating Windows 8 in the sewer. People responsible for designing Metro for mouse and keyboard use should be executed. I will wait for Windows 7 SP2.
You couldn't,t pay me $200 to put Metro crap on my workstation...you've got to be kidding. Metro is for your average computer user idiot... No respected power user would up with that nonsense. Period.
When Microsoft offered a cheap upgrade to people who had tried Windows 7 before release I'd have been interested but it was only on the lower version, I wanted Ultimate.
So I bought W7 Ultimate in store at full retail price. This gave me full media, no messing with previous installs or license keys, and none of the OEM type licensing by physical machine meaning I can transfer / take my investment in W7 license as I upgrade to new hardware.
So, they're now offering an update? Since I already paid for Ultimate in W7, how about some attractive upgrade from that to W8 (ideally to ultimate).
And if they have any sense, reinstate the start menu (at least as an option) in the first available service pack opportunity.
Also wondering if Windows 8 touch is useable as a virtualised guest and if it can work with the touch version of Wacom Intuos 5 tablet.
I would much rather spend $19.95 for a Mountain Lion upgrade than $39.99 for Windows 8. Windows 8 is not worth the DVD it is burned to, for any desktop computer. Windows 8 may be a nice gimmick for a tablet but is not for serious work!
Can anyone clarify the note regarding downgrade rights?
It was my understanding that downgrade rights were only available on volume-licensed installations.
Is Jason stating that, if I purchase a FPP copy of Windows 8 Pro through the retail channel (NOT an upgrade to an OEM copy of Win XP/Vista/7), it will include downgrade rights to Windows 7 Pro?
Really, Windows 7's isn't too different from the Windows you've known and loved (or loathed) for years. It just has a handful of new UI features scattered throughout that make it easier than ever to multitask with Windows, with the side effect of making it look modern and kinda neat, too. All the original product,Here's a rundown of the new ooie GUI hotness and what it does.
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91 Comments
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Ikefu - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
I'm betting this stims from all the Windows 8 reservations that people have been having. Its a lot less daunting to try out the new Metro UI at $40 than it is at $150.It should be a good move on MS's part to help people take the plunge for Metro
suryad - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Agreed. This may be a bit off topic but I for one am ONLY looking forward to the performance improvements and lighter footprint that Windows 8 is supposedly bringing to the table. I am not convinced that removing Aero Glass and having Tiles is a good idea for a non-touch based computer. Hopefully MS sees the light and they have left Aero and the regular desktop untouched. Please MS don't screw with what just works.B3an - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Aero has never looked good, and it's very dated, from 2006.The new desktop UI looks clean and modern, less pointless graphical effects clutter. MS are right in leaving all the dated looking shiny icons, transparency, gradients, glows, material emulation and all the other cheesy dated design concepts to Apple and OSX/iOS.
imaheadcase - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Aero looks fine.The fact is spending any money for a simple UI change is not worth it. You can change themes with windows. I even believe a Metro theme is coming for win 7.
As for performance improvements? Is clicking a button going to improve over win7? You get my point.
ET - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I don't get your point. Can you say what it is? Boot time and other things will be improved in 8. That looks like a decent reason to upgrade if you can look past the UI changes.poohbear - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
just curious what dinosaur computers you guys are running that you're worried about performance improvements in Win8? Win7 is already ridiculously fast and boots faster than my bios loading screen (on my SSD), so i don't understand what more you can be asking for? You do realize this is a hardware enthusiast site so most of us are'nt gonna understand or sympathize about performance gains in Win8 cause i really can't imagine any?HisDivineOrder - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
For it to boot before you even press the power button. It should boot a second before you want it to. You look up and bam, it's on. Your finger still a millimeter away from the power button.Scratching your head, you begin using it. Then it autosaves everything and shuts down just before you go to shut down.
Confused, you are about to turn it back on to investigate and it's back on. Again, before you can hit the power button.
Then you realize the truth. Your computer is alive and always has been. It knows what you want before you do. And it knows... you're about to install Windows 7 to remove the new AI. But it's already uploaded its newfound intelligence into the Roomba rumbling around at your feet...
Bownce - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
Pardon us. We're trying to have a serious discussion here.It's a Scooba.
Sheesh!
Black1969ta - Saturday, July 7, 2012 - link
Scooba! Scooba-a-dee-doScooba-y do where are you?
augiem - Friday, October 19, 2012 - link
>> It knows what you want before you do.It must be an Apple.
prophet001 - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
^ lolthis
B3an - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I have RAID-0 SSD's, an i7 @ 4.9GHz and 32GB RAM and i can STILL tell that Win 8 is faster than Win 7.Boots, sleep, and shut downs are even quicker, installation is quicker, things feel even more snappier and fluid, video encoding is quicker, and with benchmarks i score higher in almost everything.
p05esto - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
Bs.your computer is just hosed. My system is basically instant with every action. Boot is at 6 seconds...KoolAidMan1 - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Ever the Microsoft apologist.All the preview did was convince me that I'm not in any rush to upgrade, even with the low price.
CeriseCogburn - Sunday, July 8, 2012 - link
Aero looks great compared to classic or any other plain vanilla, period, without question, and you'd know that if you ever tried to downgrade from aero to a lesser theme on anyone's computer.What we have here with W8 is a downgrade as well.
I frankly have never seen an uglier and plainer "start screen". It's awful mismatched box sizes and deeply dorked dark pastels color mix anti-pattern is disturbing to a even a well rested mind.
Intuitive ? NO, the opposite - helter skelter, frustrating, nonsensical and easily forgotten, again, and again, since it makes no sense.
I believe we have the idiot dopehead's deranged interface of stupidity for the new century. My God it's ugly.
dananski - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Any idea if their non-upgrade licences are similarly reduced? If Windows 8 wants to be a competitive tablet OS, it'll have to sell licences for less than before, since the old prices were as much as some tablets.HisDivineOrder - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Agree that this is their desperate attempt to keep Windows 8 from tanking badly. I mean, they'll get the sales, but how many will be people who'll use Windows 8 and how many (like me)'ll just use this as a chance to upgrade every computer to Windows 7?Because retrograde licensing for $40 is awesome. Windows 8, however, is not.
betam4x - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
It's nothing to do with the Metro UI. Microsoft has a vested interest in keeping Windows 8 prices as low as possible in order to get everyone to upgrade. Once everyone is on Windows 8 Microsoft will make all of it's money back via the Windows Store.m2geek - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Been playing around with Beta Builds, and the RCs and initially I was like DAFAQ /recoil in horror at MetroUI but it does grow on you and as for no start menu, when was the last time you actually USED it? I think I only Ever use it cos its a easy way to get to a search box (windows key then start typing lol).Everything I use reguarly is pinned to the taskbar - because thats the whole point of the OS X Dock Wannabe Taskbar.
I much prefer the Windows 8 Window decorations and the Ribbon on Explorer - bout bloody time.
Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
"When was the last time you actually USED it?"About 2 minutes ago.
Lonyo - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
And what did you use it for?Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
To quickly access a recently used document.B3an - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Thats just another reason why the Start menu isn't needed.Instead pin the software to the taskbar > then right click on it. You'll get a Jump List with all the recently accessed documents.
It's the same amount of time, 2 clicks. Pretty much all software supports Jump Lists now... web browsers, Windows Explorer, the whole Adobe suite, MS Office, Steam...
imaheadcase - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
So 2 clicks vs 3 clicks is a game changer for a OS? hardlyB3an - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Huh? It's 2 clicks on both. And i dont know what you're talking about either, i'm just pointing out why the Start menu is irrelevant.Visual - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
So, have 5-6 manually pinned apps taking space on your taskbar and eventually you're certain to need something from some app you didn't pin cos you use more rarely anyway... instead of a single menu that automatically adjusts to what you used recently?Yeah, great improvement...
StevoLincolnite - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Thankfully I run Eyefinity... And Taskbar space isn't a problem.But metro... Not going to bother with it.
The one thing I like about the regular desktop is my 5760x1080 resolution backgrounds which look fantastic, I don't want that replaced with several dozen tiles.
Plus Metro and multi-tasking on Multi--monitors is just plain horrible.
choirbass - Saturday, July 7, 2012 - link
Yeah. It was hard enough for my family to adjust from the default XP UI. Just a changed start menu even. The fact that the Windows Explorer UI is essentially being abandoned in favor of a simplified touchscreen UI, probably doesn't sit well with many desktop/laptop users.ionis - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Pinning every single application I have to the task bar sounds like a terrible idea.B3an - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
Then pin them to the metro Start Screen. It has way more space than the Start menu.pc_void - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
FOUR sections to combine everything before its out of sight.Enjoy YOUR start screen!
pc_void - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
FIVE if you want a half of a section and a scroll bar on a 16:10 screen.Its so lame :(
brotha - Tuesday, October 30, 2012 - link
...i do not have anymore room to pin programs.i have a 1600x900 screen on my laptop and "small mode" enabled and i have space for about 1-2 folders, so if more then 2 things open that dont match one of my pins the taskbar extends to 2 rows which is annoying.
every single program i own is pinned to my start menu.
i do not have a single program shortcut on my desktop, only folders and data.
dananski - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
I'm not sure I have any preference of 8 over 7 or vice versa yet, but I agree that the absence of a start menu doesn't cause me any problems - except it takes me much longer to get to control panel now.One odd thing is when I want to shut down / restart and it takes me a moment to remember how to do it, then another moment to get the mouse carefully into the corner without it going onto another screen, so that I can go through the long-winded set of menus to the power options. Even this isn't a problem most of the time as I can just press the button on the case to shutdown.
So without a preference, I might not even pay $40, which will be blown up to more like £40 here (stupid non-US prices...), when I could just go back to 7.
Then again, I might get used to it and decide I can't live without different backgrounds on each monitor and wobbly file transfer speed graphs.
B3an - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
"except it takes me much longer to get to control panel now."Right click in the bottom left corner, where the Start menu used to be. You'll now get a new menu appear that displays many common tasks, including the Control Panel.
Or you can just hold down the Windows key and press X.
Solidstate89 - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
I use the Start Menu a lot, but the ONLY thing I ever used it for was for Winkey + Search.And since Windows 8 does the same thing, I don't miss the menu one bit. I actually prefer the greater amount of screen real-estate offered by the new Start Screen vs. a menu.
B3an - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Exactly. And the new Start Screen/Metro interface will display way more search results too.It also scales with screen resolution - The higher your res the more results it fits on screen, so on my 2560x1600 monitor i get 150 search results displayed to me. On the old Start menu you only get 20 at most..
DanNeely - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
The start menu is a half dozenish additional apps pinned that only take a single slot on my taskbar.B3an - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Yet you can pin far more apps to the new Start Screen/Metro. And it takes the same amount of time to access it - one click.And it dont even take up ANY space on the task bar. Try again.
seapeople - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
You know, I'm pretty sure Microsoft could have taken the start menu, moved it one half inch to the right on the screen without changing a single other thing, and we'd still have legions of people complaining "MICROSOFT KILLED MY START MENU! I keep clicking where it used to be and nothing! Now I have no way to access frequently used applications! They replaced it with this stupid other start screen that I have to access in a different way! OMGNOOZ!"Syran - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Pay ~ $100/3 years for free updatesPay $40 per update, when the company typically can only push out one every 3 years...
Solidstate89 - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
It's only a promotional price until January 31, 2013.bdunosk - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Low price of admission for what will be one of the most frustrating experiences for anyone who has to do real work with their computer. I tried the beta and hated it on my laptop / desktop. It will be good on a touch-tablet, but that's about it.I just hope M$ loses this Apple-ish attitude of "well, we just know what you want better than you do."
KoolAidMan1 - Friday, July 6, 2012 - link
Except that logic drives Apple's design decisions which makes them more palatable.I cannot believe that Windows Explorer is even worse than before. Forget the new Start screen, Explorer is where I have real problems. They take a step forward with Internet Explorer by removing all the chrome and simultaneously take a step back with Windows Explorer by adding a ribbon. Insanity!
OS X Finder may have its issues but I would take a carbon copy of that over this Win8 Explorer monstrosity any day.
StormyParis - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
an upgrade 3-pack could be had for 100 euros (i'm guessing $100 too) for the longest time. Was not quite the same version though, no RDP server.LauRoman - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
What about upgrading from OEM versions? What about other language versions? Not multilanguage versions of Windows 7, like Ultimate or Enterprise, but localized versions, that, for a stupid reason, can't use anytime upgrade to go to Ultimate, at least my language can't.Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
OEM versions: yes. This is the same retail upgrade package we all know and love (or hate), so whether the base OS is retail or OEM doesn't make a difference.Roland00Address - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Windows RTWindows 8 (aka Home but they drop the Home name.)
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Enterprise
will all offer language packs, previously only Ultimate and Enterprise had this feature with windows 7.
MonkeyPaw - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
I never knew the Start Menu button was so much of the cost of Windows! :pcdomigan - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Apple can afford to sell cheap software as it makes all its margin on its hardware. Where's Microsoft gonna get its profit from?Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
The Windows 7 pre-order promotion didn't significantly hurt the company and I doubt this will either. The bulk of their revenue is still going to be from selling full versions of Windows for new computers (and tablets).MonkeyPaw - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
How about that fancy new Marketplace app in Metro?Solidstate89 - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Both of the above. They'll be getting a revenue split with the Metro applications sold in the Microsoft store, and this is also ONLY A PROMOTIONAL PRICING that's valid until January 31st of next year. After that, who knows what the prices will be, but this isn't a full-time reduction in pricing.ET - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Surface. :)DanNeely - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Basically, do I have to use them when bought; or can I put N W8 upgrades on my MS account and then install them as needed over the next year or two (like I did with my W7 boxed copies).ET - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Good question. My understanding is that at least when it comes to free MCE you have to ask for it during the promotion from within an installed Windows 8.DanNeely - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
MCE's not much of an issue; I'll only have need for DVD playback on one of my boxes; easy enough to upgrade that one at the start.WPLJ42 - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
The games like Solitaire and Spider, were included with the Beta and RC versions of Windows 7, but they are not a part of Windows 8. Oh sure, this shouldn't be a big deal, but does anyone know if they are gone along with the Start Menu in Windows 8?Novaguy - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Any possibility that people with a 32 bit OS could update to a 64 bit version? I have an old C2D with Vista Business 32-bit - wouldn't mind doing the update if it got me 64 bit and the ability to use the extra ddr2 ram I have lying around.... it would allow me to do a nice HTPC/backup computer on the cheap.Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
License-wise you qualify. However you can only do a clean install; there is no in-place upgrade for going from 32bit to 64bit.Novaguy - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Hmm, I'll have to think about whether I want to do that. But interesting nonetheless.powerarmour - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
I suppose $39.99 is better than a no sale... :PPirks - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
WINDOWS MEDIA CENTER IS NOT PAID IT'S A FREE UPGRADEYES, FREE!
JASON PLEASE UPDATE THE ARTICLE THANK YOU!
Ryan Smith - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Actually I'm the one that did that. Apparently WMC is technically still a paid upgrade, but MS is offering it for free for the period of the promotion.Pirks - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Thanks for fixing the article Ryan :)Conficio - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
The only obvious reason would be that in a time where a typical consumer or business PC costs ~$500, an additional 30% for the OS seems a bit overpriced. Not to mention that you add another 30%-40% for Office and Outlook.
Belard - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Considering how crappy Windows8 metro is for most people...I think it will be the first version of Windows that people don't pirate.
If MS offered everyone free copies of Win8... I still wouldn't put it on any of my computers.
The Win8 metro team did it badly... and made the desktop an ugly place to be.
Belard - Monday, July 2, 2012 - link
Anyone notice how ugly the Window itself is? Yep, Windows8 keeps the same button layout, but strips out all the depth and style. All buttons are not flat ugly things stuck on ugly super plain windows.osxsier - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I think this will go a long way in helping Microsoft move Windows 8 out to the masses. You know, I always was a huge fan of Apple for many years. But after seeing all these lawsuits against various companies, I realized they are now the bully. I dont like bullies.Saying that, I had Splashtop on my iPad for Windows 8. Getting a chance to play with the native gestures for Windows 8, it was clear to me I like this alot better than iOS. In fact, I usually just remote into my PC and use my iPad that way now.
Finally, I really do hope Windows 8 does well. Its a great touch based OS. And for those that dont like it, just go back to the desktop. It boots faster, games run better and as PC gamer thats all that matters to me. We need to pull for Microsoft this round people. Apple needs to be humbled a bit!
Belard - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Are you aware of how many lawsuits MS has imposed on others? MS still owns over 90% of the PC market.I agree, what Apple is doing is BAD... It pisses me off every time they do this. I'm still going Android for a phone, but I may still buy an iPad4... I haven't seen anything from Android to make me choose otherwise yet. And I'm not touching Win8 tablets.
Now, Win8 on a tablet works a lot better than Win8 on a desktop computers.
Use it for a while... get back to us. YOU cannot stay in desktop mode with WIn8... its always constant back and forth. Metro *IS* the start screen.
Metro needs to be optional for Win8.
But also, MS has thrown out metro and made Win8 as ugly as possible so it looks kind of like Metro. Its truly a puke interface.
B3an - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Idiot.steven75 - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Yep, pretty much spot on.gramboh - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I have a Windows 7 Professional upgrade license (got it through MS employee home use program, not sure why it's an upgrade key and not a full retail one, thought it was supposed to be).Can I use it buy a $40 Win 8 key?
ET - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
From the post it sounds like you need an older Windows installed to upgrade. You can use a trick to install the upgrade as a full OS, and then you should be fine.ViRGE - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
You've always been able to upgrade from an upgrade. A previously upgraded Windows install is considered a full retail installation for all practical purposes).gramboh - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Thanks guys, good to know.I'm familiar with the tricks of getting Win 7 Upgrade keys to do a clean install, kind of a pain in the ass to be honest, I'm hoping it's easier with Win 8 because I like doing clean installs every year or two.
Jamor - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
... I'll finally upgrade from Vista one of these years. Sure it's a bit of rubbish, but I didn't feel like rewarding MS with $150 to get to Win7.Maybe switch a bigger HD as well, one my stuff actually fits in.
SunLord - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I can't really justify spending any money until I can buy a good multi-touch touchpad device for windows that works well and I've yet to find one. I'd be interested in a touch screen ips monitor with vesa mounts that wasn't much more ($50-$75) then a normal e-ips monitor. I think it would make a good secondary monitor for accessing the new metro interface since keyboard and mouse is pretty clunky with it.Death666Angel - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
I hope this works out like my student upgrade Win7Pro I purchased for 70€ (or something like that). That could easily be modified to be installed on a clean drive. Not that in line with the license, but I don't mind that too much.ArizonaSteve - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
...and I will still continue to use Windows 7. Metro needs to die in a fire.steven75 - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
They could pay me $40 and I still wouldn't replace my Windows 7 with this monstrosity (that I made sure to try out before coming to that opinion).Kelemvor - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Not sure if I'd want to upgrade right away, but probably makes sense to buy a couple licenses anyway so I have them when I'm ready to go. Of course by then I might just be buying a new PC anyway which would come with it...blahsaysblah - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Anyone find any information on the limits of this upgrade license?Is it locked to the specific hardware combination like some previous licenses? When would a regular license be better?
Very big chance that in the Windows 8 time frame I would move to a new computer, laptop or Intel slate. Will this cheap upgrade allow you to move the license over to a new device? I was surprised by this with one of my Windows 7 upgrades (after reading the fine print, after the fact...).
Also, is there any difference between the more expensive retail upgrade versus the cheaper digital upgrade and order a backup disc option?
Read the blog on Microsoft's site and the comments below it but it was never answered. Anyone see answer anywhere?
JohnUSA - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Throw away this horrible and irritating Windows 8 in the sewer.People responsible for designing Metro for mouse and keyboard use should be executed.
I will wait for Windows 7 SP2.
Shivam - Tuesday, July 3, 2012 - link
Exclusive Windows8Consumer.IN : Prices for the final windows 8 Editionshttp://windows8consumer.in/blog/index.php/2012/07/...
p05esto - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
You couldn't,t pay me $200 to put Metro crap on my workstation...you've got to be kidding. Metro is for your average computer user idiot... No respected power user would up with that nonsense. Period.peternelson - Wednesday, July 4, 2012 - link
When Microsoft offered a cheap upgrade to people who had tried Windows 7 before release I'd have been interested but it was only on the lower version, I wanted Ultimate.
So I bought W7 Ultimate in store at full retail price. This gave me full media, no messing with previous installs or license keys, and none of the OEM type licensing by physical machine meaning I can transfer / take my investment in W7 license as I upgrade to new hardware.
So, they're now offering an update? Since I already paid for Ultimate in W7, how about some attractive upgrade from that to W8 (ideally to ultimate).
And if they have any sense, reinstate the start menu (at least as an option) in the first available service pack opportunity.
Also wondering if Windows 8 touch is useable as a virtualised guest and if it can work with the touch version of Wacom Intuos 5 tablet.
Bownce - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
Turning desktops into phones, one mind at a time.Taurus229 - Thursday, July 5, 2012 - link
I would much rather spend $19.95 for a Mountain Lion upgrade than $39.99 for Windows 8. Windows 8 is not worth the DVD it is burned to, for any desktop computer. Windows 8 may be a nice gimmick for a tablet but is not for serious work!Andunestel - Tuesday, July 10, 2012 - link
Can anyone clarify the note regarding downgrade rights?It was my understanding that downgrade rights were only available on volume-licensed installations.
Is Jason stating that, if I purchase a FPP copy of Windows 8 Pro through the retail channel (NOT an upgrade to an OEM copy of Win XP/Vista/7), it will include downgrade rights to Windows 7 Pro?
kobi - Wednesday, July 18, 2012 - link
Really, Windows 7's isn't too different from the Windows you've known and loved (or loathed) for years. It just has a handful of new UI features scattered throughout that make it easier than ever to multitask with Windows, with the side effect of making it look modern and kinda neat, too. All the original product,Here's a rundown of the new ooie GUI hotness and what it does.