Hasta La Gadget!

Back when Microsoft released the Windows 7 RC builds, there wasn’t anyway to upgrade to a final retail copy of the OS without performing a complete system wipe or using a hack. The same won’t be true with Windows 8, however, with Microsoft serving up an FAQ list that indicates users will be able to upgrade from the Release Preview to the final release. Anyone wishing to upgrade will be able to buy a license for $39.99 and upgrade accordingly.

It’s not a totally seamless transition, however. While personal data files will be carried across in the upgrade, applications, settings, and users accounts will be wiped. Microsoft also hasn’t said what options those running earlier Windows 8 builds will have, although we’re going to assume that a direct update won’t be possible.

Microsoft made waves the other day when it announced that anyone looking to upgrade from Windows XP, Vista, or 7 to WIndows 8 would only pay $39.99. Both upgrade and full install options will be offered, with an Upgrade Assistant telling users what can be carried across to the new version of the operating system. Microsoft hasn’t yet announced when Windows 8 will ship, although it’s expected sometime this Fall.

[via Computer World]

Tried the Windows 8 preview? Upgrade to the real thing for just $40 is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Want to get a Windows-based tablet but you’re not sure if you want it to run Windows 7 or Windows 8? You’re in luck. The folks over at Evigroup have recently announced their new Intel-based tablet – the SmartPaddle Pro. What separates this tablet from other Windows tablets out there is its ability to dual-boot into Windows 7 or Windows 8. Granted, Windows 8 is not out, but the tablet will be shipping with the developer preview version of the operating system when it goes on sale. After Windows 8 is finally released, owners of the SmartPaddle Pro will be able to update their tablets to the full version of the operating system for free.

Specs of the tablet include: a 11.6″ touchscreen display, an Intel Atom N450 processor, 1GB of RAM, and a 32 or 64GB SSD. The tablet will be priced at 759 Euro ($951). No word on a release date or if it’ll be making its way over to the US, but it certainly is an interesting idea that may or may not catch on. What do you think?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Microsoft details its Windows 8 upgrade offer, NewsMix Social Reader App for Windows 8 introduced,

This week Microsoft has been kind enough to share the details included with their Windows 8 update for those users out there who already have one of several Windows software products installed on their devices right now. If a user is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7, they’ll be able to upgrade their software with a simple download that’ll only cost them $39.99 USD. This upgrade will be available at the same time the full cost software release is dropped.

The official release date for all Windows 8 builds has not yet been revealed, but we’ve essentially got all the details on every single other aspect of the release since Windows 8 was formally introduced earlier this year at Microsoft’s Consumer Preview at Mobile World Congress 2012. A download of this software upgrade will include a special Upgrade Assistant which will also let the user know what changes or boosts need to be implemented ton their computer before the software can be installed successfully.

Each different operating system upgrade will have different abilities in this upgrade, with Windows XP getting the shortest end of the stick, only being able to bring along with them their personal files. Windows Vista users will be able to push their settings as well as personal files over to the new system. Windows 7 Consumer Edition will be able to bring settings, personal files, and applications as well.

Users will be able to head to a Microsoft store (or any of many participating retailers) and get their hands on an install DVD if they’d rather have a solid piece of tech, this disk costing $69.99 from the store as well. You’ll have to head to the Microsoft Store (online or to a physical Microsoft Store if you wish) to grab this limited time offer – prices go up for pre-ordering (or eventually ordering once it’s out) the operating system after January 31st, 2013.

Windows 8 upgrade prices dropped by Microsoft is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Microsoft has already detailed the Windows 8 upgrade route for those buying a new computer, and it’s now finally confirmed what everyone else will be paying when they upgrade their existing PC. Those running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will able to download a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $39.99. That’s a far cry from the company’s earlier upgrade prices, which as recently as Windows 7 ran $50 and $99 for Home Premium and Pro upgrades, respectively. You will have to pay a bit more if you want packaged DVD version of the upgrade, though, with it running $69.99 at retail — it also sounds like both of those prices will be going up when the promotion ends on January 31st of next year. Not surprisingly, the upgrade process will vary depending on the OS you’re currently using. Those making the jump all the way from Windows XP will only able to bring their personal files with them, while those on Vista will be able to bring their personal files and Windows settings, but no applications. And, if you’re wondering about Media Center, it will be available as a free option once the upgrade is finished.

Microsoft announces $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you missed the news, HP will not be making any tablets that only run the WinRT (aka Metro) part of Windows 8. It says the decision came before the unveiling of Microsoft’s Surface tablet, but others say HP decided against it because it was miffed that Microsoft decided to compete with its own partners. But here’s the larger question: Would it even make a difference one way or another if other companies produced Windows 8 tablets? [Bloomberg] More »