European consumers will receive a Windows 8 Pro N Version.
While Windows 8 isn't due to go on sale until October 26, Amazon UK has listed the operating system, subsequently revealing several packages.
A Windows 8 Pro upgrade edition gives users the opportunity to upgrade from Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. A Windows 8 Pro Pack bumps the Windows 8 standard edition to the Professional version.
For European consumers, a Windows 8 Pro N Version has also been confirmed, which is a similar package to the American version but doesn't contain Windows Media Player.
Both the Windows 8 Pro and Pro N editions include the operating system, with the Windows 8 Pro Pack containing a product key card that allows users to upgrade the standard edition to the Pro version.
While the listings don't reveal prices, the Windows 8 Pro edition will cost owners of Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 $39.99 if they download the product online. Alternatively, it'll cost $69.99 to buy the operating system in a physical media capacity.
Did someone finally give Microsoft an earfull about thier crazy prices?
I haven't seen them price an OS that low since Windows ME and plenty of us know how that OS was... Can you say trainwreck? Maybe they are anticipating that it will suck. Either way I'm not gonna jump on the Windows 8 bandwagon anytime soon (if ever).
Or maybe they are keeping the prices low because of the negative reaction.
For these prices you have to be upgrading from xp/vixta/7. To my knowledge it will be a fully functioning version of the os with the only requirement being you had to have a windows operating system before.
How about some real tech products news? The only non-Windows 8 shiny new crap news are that IBM introduces new storage devices.
BTW: Once u uninstall all the MS metro crap tiles and customize it to your own its really slick. Every toms post about W8 gets flooded with BS but it stands as the best OS Ive ever experienced.
This ^^
And at this price point, it will catch a lot of attention. This was a smart move considering MS would love nothing more than for Windows 8 to flood the market and be the new OS of choice.
But there's simply no price point that's going to get me to put a OS that should be aimed ONLY on mobile devices on my desktop. Ever. Period. The End.
I wonder if the upgrade trick will still work - install the OS as a trial (I think you now have to put in a key, so just don't activate), and then install over it and activate.
Of course, I'm not installing a tablet OS on my desktop anyway, so I guess it's a non-issue.