[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Windows 8 Pro upgrade price rises to $199.99 after Jan. 31 here

[chuckt]

Just another reason to NOT get Windows 8.

[brainout]

As much as I hate Windows 8 even prior to installing (for I also don't need to drink gasoline to know it's bad) -- I bought another Win8 Pro upgrade for the $67 at Amazon. My new Dell 6530 laptop is eligible for the $40 upgrade download, which is keyed to the machine. Versus, the DVDs at Amazon, which are generic, so a better choice. The $15 is only applicable to machines purchased new after June and before January 31. Else, it's $40, and you better get it before January 31. Just the same, the upgrade FAQ at Windows (click here) says that I am not 'married' to the machine -- I can put the download on a different Win7 machine.

Frankly, best to buy the DVDs at Amazon before January 31. For the download is glitchy, can take hours and won't be generic; but will be keyed to the specs of the machine you download TO. Most of the installation problems and complaints come from people who downloaded the upgrade.

Finally, Dell machines are most compatible in the download. The Amazon reports of good download experiences were almost always on Dell machines, some even as old as a Latitude D630, which I might still get in dellauction. Already just got a Latitude 6510 and 6530, both arriving next week. The former is 32-bit Windows with 8 GB of RAM, so I'll put Win8 Pro 64-bit on its own partition. The 6530 will get Pro 32-bit in its own partition, post-download at the $40, just so I can geniunely report the experience.

Dell lists a model-by-model rap sheet on the installation problems and what to do, click here. If you're interested in buying 32-bit Win7 on a Dell, you'll find that hard to do, now. Best to go to Dell Outlet: that was the only place I could find 32-bit Windows. Or, try the auction. I explain how to decide auction choices in a video, click here. I'm a Dell fan because it's easy to change the internal hard drives and memory of their laptops. So I can install Win8, then switch out the drive and put back the original Win7. Or, clone then quad-partition a new drive post clone-back (with last two partitions being for Linux) and then switch out, so I never lose the ability to just use Win7. This way I can test the 15 Linux distros I just bought, too.

IMPORTANT: the Latitude 6530 (as well as Precision 6400-6700) will have a SATA configuration default of RAID ON which Win8 cannot handle. Have to change the default to AHCI, but that makes Windows 7 go nuts. Dell tells me that they've fixed the problem, so it now is that simple to just change in BIOS; I told them I don't believe it's that simple, given the bad reports on Dell Laptops with this setting, going all the way back to Vista. So we'll see who eats crow pie when the 6530 arrives. Hope it's me, I like crow. Then I can crow about how good they are, instead.

That will leave one of the DVD sets free for any other machine in the future, though I'm reasonably certain I won't be using Windows 8 at all -- except to laugh or scream at it. Hope to find reason to eat crow there too, but it's unlikely. Fisher-Price Easter Egg Hunt OS is not likely to have anything good to offer, not to mention all the driver and other installation hassles even users at Microsoft's own reviews of Windows 8 (click here), report.

Really, I should send MS a bill for my time spent in trying to wrap my head around all their convoluted OS specs and terms. Never again will I upgrade Windows, if they keep on this path. Might even change my mind and never apply the boxed DVDs, but instead resell them. If, that is, anyone wants to buy!

This post has been edited by brainout: 18 January 2013 - 06:54 PM

[ronin7752]

The $40 upgrade I just tried to install has crashed and reversed three times -- with no explanation of why or what to do next.

TRASH!

[ronin7752]

Quote

As much as I hate Windows 8 even prior to installing (for I also don't need to drink gasoline to know it's bad) -- I bought another Win8 Pro upgrade for the $67 at Amazon. My new Dell 6530 laptop is eligible for the $40 upgrade download, which is keyed to the machine. Versus, the DVDs at Amazon, which are generic, so a better choice. The $15 is only applicable to machines purchased new after June and before January 31. Else, it's $40, and you better get it before January 31. Just the same, the upgrade FAQ at Windows (http://www.windowsup.../en-US/Home/Faq) says that I am not 'married' to the machine -- I can put the download on a different Win7 machine. Frankly, best to buy the DVDs at Amazon before January 31. For the download is glitchy, can take hours and won't be generic; but will be keyed to the specs of the machine you download TO. Most of the installation problems and complaints come from people who downloaded the upgrade. Finally, Dell machines are most compatible in the download. The Amazon reports of good download experiences were almost always on Dell machines, some even as old as a Latitude D630, which I might still get in dellauction. Already just got a Latitude 6510 and 6530, both arriving next week. The former is 32-bit Windows with 8 GB of RAM, so I'll put Win8 Pro 64-bit on its own partition. The 6530 will get Pro 32-bit in its own partition, post-download at the $40, just so I can geniunely report the experience. Dell lists a model-by-model rap sheet on the installation problems and what to do, http://support.euro....d=575105#E6530. If you're interested in buying 32-bit Win7 on a Dell, you'll find that hard to do, now. Best to go to Dell Outlet: that was the only place I could find 32-bit Windows. Or, try the auction. I explain how to decide auction choices in a video, I'm a Dell fan because it's easy to change the internal hard drives and memory of their laptops. So I can install Win8, then switch out the drive and put back the original Win7. Or, clone then quad-partition a new drive post clone-back (with last two partitions being for Linux) and then switch out, so I never lose the ability to just use Win7. This way I can test the 15 Linux distros I just bought, too. IMPORTANT: the Latitude 6530 (as well as Precision 6400-6700) will have a SATA configuration default of RAID ON which Win8 cannot handle. Have to change the default to AHCI, but that makes Windows 7 go nuts. Dell tells me that they've fixed the problem, so it now is that simple to just change in BIOS; I told them I don't believe it's that simple, given the bad reports on Dell Laptops with this setting, going all the way back to Vista. So we'll see who eats crow pie when the 6530 arrives. Hope it's me, I like crow. Then I can crow about how good they are, instead. That will leave one of the DVD sets free for any other machine in the future, though I'm reasonably certain I won't be using Windows 8 at all -- except to laugh or scream at it. Hope to find reason to eat crow there too, but it's unlikely. Fisher-Price Easter Egg Hunt OS is not likely to have anything good to offer, not to mention all the driver and other installation hassles even users at Microsoft's own reviews of Windows 8 (http://www.microsoft...e.Windows_8_Pro), report. Really, I should send MS a bill for my time spent in trying to wrap my head around all their convoluted OS specs and terms. Never again will I upgrade Windows, if they keep on this path. Might even change my mind and never apply the boxed DVDs, but instead resell them. If, that is, anyone wants to buy!

You are obviously a Pro. I've had exactly the same experiences with Dell laptops... (sans Win 8 install issues...) Dell's storage drivers (AHCI vs. SATA) are flaky at best!

Also the same with Win 8 "upgrades"...

My respects to you.

[JohnUSA]

I would not use the horrible, irritating and extremely poorly designed Windows 8 if Microsoft paid me.
It is absolutely the worst OS I have ever used in my life.
Windows 8 belongs in the sewer.
Save you money and aggravation, do not buy this garbage new OS.
Either get Windows 7 or wait for Windows 9, which we all hope that it will be a lot better than 8. Microsoft is rushing to release the new Windows 9 as they know that they laid a huge egg with Windows 8 as many users are hating it.
You have been warned.

[berock212]

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Just another reason to NOT get Windows 8.

Why because it is cheap right now. Your logic is confusing.

[Dlive]

Windows 8 is an unbelievable value at $40. Its smooth and sexy and opens a new world of enjoyment for techies and the average user as well. Anyone with moderate intelligence will quickly figure out the ins and outs of the new OS.

We are hearing so much about it doesn't have this or that, or this is so confusing, that doesn't make sence, that truth is that it is a new platform to build on and will be for years to come. The future is now! Deal with it!

[simwatts]

Quote

I would not use the horrible, irritating and extremely poorly designed Windows 8 if Microsoft paid me. It is absolutely the worst OS I have ever used in my life. Windows 8 belongs in the sewer. Save you money and aggravation, do not buy this garbage new OS. Either get Windows 7 or wait for Windows 9, which we all hope that it will be a lot better than 8. Microsoft is rushing to release the new Windows 9 as they know that they laid a huge egg with Windows 8 as many users are hating it. You have been warned.

Or just install Ubuntu for $0. Why would anyone pay $200 for an operating system. Must be made of money.

[simwatts]

Quote

Windows 8 is an unbelievable value at $40. Its smooth and sexy and opens a new world of enjoyment for techies and the average user as well. Anyone with moderate intelligence will quickly figure out the ins and outs of the new OS. We are hearing so much about it doesn't have this or that, or this is so confusing, that doesn't make sence, that truth is that it is a new platform to build on and will be for years to come. The future is now! Deal with it!

That is not unbelievable value, when you get others offering the same for $0. Microsoft will always have people who are faithful for some reason. Not sure why. Windows 8 is horrible design. Billions of pounds to come up with that is worrying. People will still pay for it and think they have got a right bargain.

[MKZ1945]

Window 8 for $40.00 is a great value for those like me that have a lot of time and money invested in programs that only run in the Windows environment, and I’m sure that’s much the situation with anyone that upgrades from one version of Window to another. If you are getting you’re first computer, or upgrading from Windows 98, then you choices are fairly open. I would advise anyone to at least try Ubuntu. I have it running on a virtual machine and it definitely has its uses, but I’m to heavily invested in Windows compatible programs to back out of that platform. Also, I have to stay in a compatibility environment with most business I may have to work with. It’s not that I’m faithful to Microsoft, although that might be the case with some. If the majority of the business world would have been using Apple or Lenox, I would be pretty much invested in that platform.

Some comments here don’t make much sense to me at all. How much time have some of these people invested in trying to learn Windows 8. It’s like they walked into Best Buy or Wal-Mart, took a look at it or tried to figure it out on their own for about 5 or 10 minutes and found out it was too different to what they are used to. That’s okay. Don’t buy it, but don’t go spouting off that you think it’s garbage because you’re to lazy to take the time to ask someone for help or to take time to figure it out. I’m pushing 70 years of age and it took me all of 2 hours to be comfortable with it, and that without help from anyone. I’m running Windows 8 and 7 in a dual boot environment, and I’ve been using Windows 8 enough that I don’t even like the damn start button in Windows 7 anymore.

[oldschoolh4ck3r]

Windows 8 is a downgrade from Windows 7. Even as a touchscreen OS, it fails compared to Android.

[Sadie]

MKZ1945; It's hard to realize that you have invested money, time and effort to learn something that works for you but the majority of people dont care for it. Once Windows 8 price rises not many people will be upgrading. I have it on a new laptop and it's fine but I wouldnt change from windows 7 on my other three computers. You may as well admit it that you are in the minority on this one and look forward to being an early adopter of the next realease as it probably wont be all that far away after this failed marketing campaign. Better luck next time with being first but realizing to late that others think your nuts.

[AdyZim]

Yes Win8 is a hybrid bridging of the old and new, and some of the apps like the mail app in particular are weak (use outlook.com) but some of the comments I read by tech writers and some users are simply short-sighted and inaccurate frankly.

Myth ... less productive
My laptop now boots twice as fast Win 8 v win 7. I can see on my start screen, my next appointment, number emails in, weather, news headlines, key notifications, and then WIN+D...and arrive at the desktop BEFORE I would have done running win7 on the same machine. Simple fact ...you get to your loved desktop faster with Win8

Key on a non-touch PC is to use the shortcut keys ....it's new so it requires some adjustment like anything new but this is no Vista, stable as a rock and lightning fast ...and no compatibility issues. Technology interfaces will evolve and static icons on a 'desktop' has been around for ever...this is just the start, but a good start IMHO.

[MKZ1945]

Sadie: I can see how my post could be misunderstood. You can bet you life that if Windows 8 would have been released with a $200.00 price tag, I would have been waiting around a long time until I put it on any of my machines. In that regards, I do expect sales to drastically drop when that price becomes effective. At that price it would have been because I needed it, not because I wanted it. I seldom jump on any new release of a Windows operating system unless I’m convinced that the change is a major benefit to me. For example, I jumped on Windows 7 for one of my machines that was running Vista. Vista came with the computer and I can proudly say I never purposely upgraded to that mess. I downloaded the evaluation version of Win 8 before ever considering a purchase of what was to come. I became very comfortable with it (and I’m using the mouse/keyboard configuration) and when MS offered the $40.00 downloads, it was too good for me to pass up. I did not need Windows 8 – I wanted it. I already had Win 7 pro on my main computer and was pleased with it. Win 8 is on another hard drive on that computer in a dual-boot configuration, as stated in my earlier post. I still have Win XP on one of my computers because some businesses still use it with their software. All are in the process of swapping to Win 7, so I’ll be using Win 7 for awhile yet. None are swapping to Win 8 that I know of, and for good reasons that I really should not have to explain.

If you read most of the post on PC World, anytime something comes up regarding Windows 8, it seems that the majority of them are against this version. You seem to have mastered it’s use but still prefer Windows 7, and that’s fine. I respect your opinion more than those that say they don’t like it just because it’s different. At the present time I personally know of 21 people who have taken advantage of the upgrade offers, either download or through Amazon, and have Windows 8 on one of their machines. Only 2 of those people decided they would rather stay with Windows 7. Point is, I’m not too sure that the posts here are a good gauge of the future of Windows 8. I believe it will be a success in time and the next version will probably build upon it, but that is just my personal opinion. I believe Windows 7 will be around for a long time because the business world is moving in that direction. I also believe that because Windows 7 is relatively new itself and very stable, it has had a negative impact on people moving towards Windows 8. If the only thing between Windows XP and Windows 8 would have been Vista, Windows 8 would probably be much more marketable. Again, these are my opinions.

Can Windows 8 be made better? I would like to see it made just a little bit better for those of us who want to stay with the mouse and keyboard, but it’s not annoying me enough to be crazy about it. I don’t see touchscreen as ever being that handy of a device in a desktop configuration unless they can be placed in a more horizontal configuration. It’s my understanding that there are some moves in that direction in the making.

[ronin7752]

Quote

Windows 8 is an unbelievable value at $40. Its smooth and sexy and opens a new world of enjoyment for techies and the average user as well. Anyone with moderate intelligence will quickly figure out the ins and outs of the new OS. We are hearing so much about it doesn't have this or that, or this is so confusing, that doesn't make sence, that truth is that it is a new platform to build on and will be for years to come. The future is now! Deal with it!

Dlive, Win 8 is failing miserably with average end users! Deal with it!

[ronin7752]

Quote

Myth ... less productive My laptop now boots twice as fast Win 8 v win 7. I can see on my start screen, my next appointment, number emails in, weather, news headlines, key notifications, and then WIN+D...and arrive at the desktop BEFORE I would have done running win7 on the same machine. Simple fact ...you get to your loved desktop faster with Win8.

Well, I guess if you sit around booting your laptop all day, Win 8 really *would* improve your productivity. Since most end users boot only once every several days or so (if that often) -- and don't want to memorize all the "magic hotkeys" required to make Win 8 tolerable, I guess their complaints are valid....

[DrSpanky]

Linux: $0
OSX: $20
Windows: $200
And Microsoft wonders why everyone pirates their software instead of paying for it...really?

[LiveBrianD]

Now what'll be really funny is if Windows 7 Home Premium OEM continues to be $100, like it currently is. (even though 8 has been out for a few months) I wonder how Windows 8 will do (in terms of new copies of Windows bought) now...

[waldojim]

ronin7752, on 19 January 2013 - 05:05 PM, said:

Quote

Myth ... less productive My laptop now boots twice as fast Win 8 v win 7. I can see on my start screen, my next appointment, number emails in, weather, news headlines, key notifications, and then WIN+D...and arrive at the desktop BEFORE I would have done running win7 on the same machine. Simple fact ...you get to your loved desktop faster with Win8.

Well, I guess if you sit around booting your laptop all day, Win 8 really *would* improve your productivity. Since most end users boot only once every several days or so (if that often) -- and don't want to memorize all the "magic hotkeys" required to make Win 8 tolerable, I guess their complaints are valid....

No magic keys, no constant booting for me... just 24 x 7 operation. Day in and day out, Windows 8 powers my media center. Everyday, it records TV shows, every day it re-compresses music and movies for on the fly streaming to my mobile. And everyday, it works flawlessly.

Seems like some people here just need a life. Others here already learned how to make Windows 8 do exactly what was needed of it.