Uprade to windows 8 for $15? Please help!

Hi, I just purchased a computer one week ago. I just found out that Microsoft is going to let people upgrade to windows 8 for $15 if they buy a windows 7 system after June 2nd.

Technically that means I am "ineligible" since I am a couple weeks early. However, I can still return my computer for a full refund from where I bought it. Does anyone know if Microsoft will make an exception for me? If not, I'll simply return my computer, wait two weeks, then re-purchase the exact same computer on June 2nd so that I am "eligble."

Of course, I'd rather not do this!

Thanks for the help, I'll give Microsoft a call in a couple days when I get back in town.

 

There is no exception. You have to return the computer.

 

I wouldn't fret over it. W8 is going to probably turn out to be a steaming turd based on my experiences with it. It's going to be less well received than Vista, even.

 

Yep, Greg is right on. Don't panic. Use Win 7. It is a great operating system.

 

Vista? Windows 8 is already starting to be known as "Windows Metro Edition", or Windows ME II, for short. Says it all.

To the OP, sure, just call Microsoft and tell them jackcrab wants an exception, because, well, you're jackcrab. I'm sure they'll accommodate you.

 

I haven't used W8 but from what I've seen and heard, it doesn't sound very promising.

 

Windows 8 isn't all that bad, but the cost of the return might offset just buying windows 8 OEM... if the return cost 120 to mail back and 50-100 restocking fee... then at about 200 dollars you could just buy the OEM version and call it a day. I would check your return policy as the number crunching might provide a simple solution.

edit: no idea of actual pricing so it's a guess on OEM.

 

I'll buck the trend. I think Windows 8 is going to be awesome that's why i'll buy it on a Windows 8 Tablet.

 

Well, some people will feel the need to upgrade to Windows 8 regardless of how bad or good it is simply because the number 8 is larger than 7.

 

Existing hardware will run Win 8 absolutely fine, but to take full advantage of Windows 8 you have to purchase a computer designed and optimized for it. Since Win 8 puts so much emphasis on touch, touchscreen laptops and laptops with enhanced trackpads are bound to arrive.

 

I see no reason to upgrade to Win 8 over Win 7 unless you plan on operation with touch screen tech. Like some of the current all in one's have touch screens, but that is the only reason to upgrade. Plus I guess Win 8 will have more apps available to it, but I think they would be completely useless on a full computer.

Like most said above...not worth the hassle.

 

Haha, my next tablet will most likely be a Win 8 Tablet its perfect for it. As far as for P.C not sure yet. However can't you switch between Metro U.I and regular.

 

Send me your PayPal info and I'll pay you $15 to not upgrade to Win MEII...

 

Windows 8 on desktop: I could use it if I had to, but I'm fine with W7.

Windows RT on tablet: If I can't use Windows x86 programs on this brand new OS, what makes it a better choice than Android, iOS, or regular Linux at this point? Seriously?
I didn't see everybody jumping to Windows Phone 7 when it came, for obvious reasons.

 

You either didn't read my post, or you just didn't understand it.

I can drive 5 minutes to Best Buy, return my computer, pay $0 dollars in restocking fees, wait 1 week, then drive 5 minutes back to Best Buy and re-purchase the exact same computer on June 2nd. Bam, now I qualify for Windows 8.

It would be logical for them to just allow me to qualify for the windows 8 upgrade since I can simply return the computer and just bypass the whole thing. It'll waste my time, Best Buy's time and money, and probably some of that trickles back to Microsfot.

 

It's misleading to say that touchscreen & app store are the only reasons to upgrade. There are tons of improvements on the Desktop side for those who care about it. Moreover, if you want a touchscreen laptop you should wait for Windows 8 to launch. Current hardware will quickly become obsolete once Win 8 systems arrive.

 

There are a ton of performance improvements in Win 8. That alone probably makes it worth it.

The replacement of the start menu with the Metro-design start screen is more controversial. But at the end of the day, it's a matter of personal preference. While some posters (most vocally Pirx) absolutely loathe the change to Start, I love it. Regardless, remember--you're not locked into the Metro UI for hours as you work. If you use traditional desktop programs instead of choosing to use Metro apps, you see the Metro UI start screen for exactly as long as you see your start menu in Windows 7. For me, that probably adds up to about 15 seconds per hour.

 

No, you clearly do not understand the situation.

There's nothing logical about your idea at all. The part that is missing here is why Microsoft should give a rats @ss about any of this. You know, my guess is that they really have better things to do than check how many minutes what dude may or may not have to drive to whatever place they bought their computer from, or listen to every whiner coming in to plead for a free ride just because they were "just x days" off whatever cut-off date Microsoft stipulated.

But, like I said, feel free to call them and ask, like you said. Who knows, they may accommodate you.

 

I agree with this. As a matter of fact, those are probably the last reasons to upgrade.

I very much doubt that anybody will be particularly interested in a touchscreen laptop. Those things have been available for a while, and there has been no significant interest. I don't think Win8 will change that, at all. Now if you're talking convertibles, that may be different. We'll see.

Yes, those improvements are truly worthwhile. Too bad they had to ruin it with that god-awful GUI.

Again, I agree with this assessment as well.

What can I say, you're right on!

Yeah, but they borked up a lot more than that, now in particular with their "Metrofication" of the desktop as well, the apparent lack of customizability of the desktop, the willy-nilly separation of configuration tasks in Metro settings and Control Panel, and on and on.

But, yes, by the time Win8 ships, or maybe early next year, viable third-party alternatives may become available, which may make Win8 palatable even to users like myself. We'll see.

 

The replacement of the aero theme with a metro look is an aesthetic change more than a functional one. You've still got a taskbar, windows, and everything people use to do their day-to-day work.

How often do you go into the control panel? Is this something you do multiple times per day?

 

Windows 8 is shaping up to be a monumental disaster. You're better off sticking with 7, which is stable and works well. It's going to be another XP / Vista situation.

 

If you want Windows 8, which why wouldn't you if it is only 15 bucks. If it sucks just reinstall windows 7. So I say take advantage of BEST BUY's return policy and return your laptop before the two weeks are up. Then go buy another laptop when the upgrade coupon will be in effect. Maybe a couple of weeks from now you will get an even better laptop, or something will be on sale, so DO IT!

 

Even if it is perceived to be a disaster before release by some, it may turn out decent when service pack 1 comes out. Maybe they'll include a classic interface option if there is enough backlash to spur sales, who knows. The OS runs extremely well and having the option to install it for only $15 at some point in the future is a no brainer.

 

Yeah, if you're fence-sitting about Win 8, the best possible thing to do is buy a machine right before it comes out and pay the $15. For that minimal extra price, you get to sample the retail release of Win 8, and if it doesn't sit right with you, you have reinstall disks that will take you back to Win 7.

 

Yeah, I still wonder if the last word is said about the UI, despite what MS have said.
And I don't think MS will wait until SP1, because of all the feedback they get from the Previews.
If MS is about to make a big mistake, they already know it.

Just look at the previews and compare to W7.

- Developer Preview was needed this time for the app makers, obviously.

- Consumer Preview is a bit like the W7 beta, although the latter wasn't intended for the public from the beginning.

- Release Preview: I didn't see this one coming to the public. I doubt it's just a bit more polished and stable version.


Either it's MS who want to tell the world something that needs to be told before launch to maximize sales, ie an improved UI with a start menu as an option.

Or, it's just the new way MS does things.

I hope it's both!

 

This one's for you:

Do People Want Touch on Laptop Screens?


The article echoes my sentiments. Touch won't replace a keyboard & mouse, but for occassional casual navigation (such as flicking thru Photos, for example) it will actually be quite enjoyable especially on a touch-centric OS like Win 8.

 

What do you mean? Both the Beta & the Release Candidate of Windows 7 (similar to the Win 8 Consumer Preview & Release Preview respectively) were released to the public.

 

I can't recall seeing the W7 RC as released to the public, but I may be wrong.

Development of Windows 7 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

W8 RC will be released 1st of June, rumors are saying. I would surprise if won't be available for publicity, they need lots of feedbacks. Personally I really like W8, very fast booting and good performance for overall. My only problem is metro and the not included start menu.

 

Yeah that's all fine, but we're discussing W7.

 

No need for rumors. Microsoft has announced that they will provide a public Release Preview, not a Release Candidate. That Release Preview will not include the recent interface changes (elimination of Aero Glass) that Microsoft has announced.

 

You are indeed wrong.
Win 7 Release Candidate was publicly available for download starting May 5th, 2009. Here are some links:

Windows 7 Release Candidate Is Available From Microsoft

Windows 7 RC Available for Download Now

http://www.gizmag.com/windows-7-release-candidate-available-to-the-public/11611/

There are threads on Win 7 RC in this very forum:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/windows-os-software/378518-windows-7-rc-released.html

Keep in mind that Wikipedia is not always an authentic source since it can be edited by anyone.