Amazon has the best price I’ve seen so far on the retail upgrade package for Windows 8 Pro.
At $49.99, it’s $10 more than Microsoft’s online price for a downloadable copy of Windows 8, which costs $40 until January 31, 2013. But that method has some limitations. If you’re upgrading a 32-bit PC, for example, you’ll get a 32-bit upgrade installer. The only way to acquire a 64-bit installer is to use the download link and product key you receive in your email receipt from a computer running a 64-bit Windows version.
You can order backup disks from Microsoft for an extra $15. That gives you both 32-bit and 64-bit installer media, but you’ll have to wait days or weeks for them to arrive.
The Amazon Windows 8 Pro Upgrade (retail package) costs $5 less and comes with free two-day shipping.
I have no idea how long this price will be in effect. If you are considering an upgrade to Windows 8, this price is about as good as you’ll get.
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Ed Bott (@ wordpress.com) 