Two weeks out from general availability (October 26th) and physical copies of Windows 8 are available for pre-order through select merchants. Amazon.com, Staples, Best Buy, the Microsoft Store and others may be offering this Windows 8 pre-order. The physical disk comes with 5 fancy “variants” for the cover and retails for $69.99. Otherwise, on October 26th, digital downloads will be available from Windows.com. The digital download will run $39.99. If you have purchased a new PC since June 2nd through January 31st, 2013, you’ll be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for $14.99.
Check windowsupgradeoffer.com for details about the upgrade deals.
Windows 8 devices and hardware are also available for pre-order today from Microsoft OEMs like Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP, Samsung, and Sony.
I think I’ll spend the weekend upgrading to Windows 8 on my home PC. I have early access to the final bits through an MSDNAA program. While I might complain about some of the design changes, I can’t shy away from upgrades as an IT Pro. I also can’t deny some of the improvements with faster boot time, faster Windows Updates, and improved security.