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Windows 8 64-bit full version $70

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From what I've seen WMC will not be included in 8 at release time but will be a free add on for pro users. Not sure why it isn't just included, but maybe something wasn't finished in it so they are holding it back a bit.
 
^^ Same thing I read, which made me quickly abandon any use for Win 8.

According to the Microsoft Upgrade Offer FAQ:
- Is Windows Media Center included in the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro?

-Customers who want to install Windows Media Center will need to purchase the Windows 8 Media Center Pack through the Add Windows Feature function after upgrading to Windows 8 Pro.
Click to expand...

http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/microsoft/how-to-install-windows-media-center-in-windows-8-pro-rtm.asp

What a total fustercluck of a launch. I know every launch of a new OS is plagued with complainers and general confusion, but Win8 seems to be worse than any other launch.
 
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Cr0nJ0b said:
From what I've seen WMC will not be included in 8 at release time but will be a free add on for pro users. Not sure why it isn't just included/QUOTE]

Because Microsoft had to pay (I hear double digit dollars PER COPY) licensing fees for ever copy of Media Center they gave away with Win7.
Click to expand...
 
Zap said:
Cr0nJ0b said:
From what I've seen WMC will not be included in 8 at release time but will be a free add on for pro users. Not sure why it isn't just included
Click to expand...
Because Microsoft had to pay (I hear double digit dollars PER COPY) licensing fees for ever copy of Media Center they gave away with Win7.
Click to expand...
So if they gave it out as a separate download package without it being on the Windows "X" disk, they don't have to pay any licensing fees? How exactly does that work?

I was under the impression that the reason it was not included had something to do with the European Commission...
My take is that they were busy stripping it out completely from the OS for Europe and didn't have time to put it back together for the US prior to RTM?

I can't see how they would have to pay more licensing fees if they make it part of the Windows standard package versus making it an "optional" update in the "Windows Update" browser.
 
lothar said:
So if they gave it out as a separate download package without it being on the Windows "X" disk, they don't have to pay any licensing fees? How exactly does that work?

I was under the impression that the reason it was not included had something to do with the European Commission...
My take is that they were busy stripping it out completely from the OS for Europe and didn't have time to put it back together for the US prior to RTM?

I can't see how they would have to pay more licensing fees if they make it part of the Windows standard package versus making it an "optional" update in the "Windows Update" browser.
Click to expand...


They pay a licensing fee for every copy sold. If only a few percentage of people who buy Windows uses the media center then they have needlessly paid for extra licenses. By having only those who need media center pay for the licenses it saves MS money or allows for a lower selling price.

I read somewhere that a person tried purchasing media center from within Window 8 Pro and it showed a price of about $15 but didn't allow the purchase to go through. If the price really is that low it is a fair price for the licensing.
 
I'm so confused right now. I ordered the Windows 8 pro upgrade. If I upgrade my current computer next year to Haswell, I have to buy yet another Windows?
 
Nawlins said:
I'm so confused right now. I ordered the Windows 8 pro upgrade. If I upgrade my current computer next year to Haswell, I have to buy yet another Windows?
Click to expand...

Technically yes, if you did not get Windows 8 systems builder version. However you can always upgrade from win 7 again after install..
 
Zap said:
Why do you say it is more expensive? Windows 7 Home Premium is normally $100, and so is Windows 8. The best discounts on Win7HP has been to $80. Right now Win8 is $70, so I see it as cheaper.
Click to expand...

WIndows 8 system builder is tracking in roughly $10-15 more than Win 7 OEM. We are talking the version that you want to get if you always upgrading PC like lots do.
 
imaheadcase said:
WIndows 8 system builder is tracking in roughly $10-15 more than Win 7 OEM. We are talking the version that you want to get if you always upgrading PC like lots do.
Click to expand...

I see them both listed as $99.99. These are the versions I'm talking about.

Windows 7 HP64

Windows 8 64

There's currently a $20 off coupon code in the latest Newegg email for Win8, plus Newegg tosses in PowerDVD for free (since it doesn't come with Media Center). Previously it was $30 off on pre-order, without the free PowerDVD.

Which versions are you talking about?
 
imaheadcase said:
Technically yes, if you did not get Windows 8 systems builder version. However you can always upgrade from win 7 again after install..
Click to expand...

But if I have the system builder OEM (the $139.99 version), I can just install on any future upgrade without having to install Windows 7 first, correct?
 
Correct. Microsoft "simplified" versions with Win8. Retail is for upgrades. System Builder OEM is for fresh installs.
 
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