PC hobbyists will get a big break if new information on Windows 8’s pricing structure is correct. The full non-upgrade versions of Windows appear to be gone from retail shelves in Microsoft’s next generation operating system, replaced by a much cheaper System Builder version.
Microsoft first began offering System Builder versions with Windows 7, ranging in price from $129 for Home Premium to $229 for Ultimate. These retail prices were often steeply discounted at web retailers. This was a savings compared to the full versions, which ranged from $200 to as much as $320.
Windows System Builder differs from the full version of Windows in how the licensing rights work. With the full version, Microsoft is much more lenient in license transferral, such a when installing a new motherboard. However, with the System Builder version, much like the copies provided with new computers, a Windows installation is limited to a single machine.
ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley uncovered additional details about the System Builder version of Windows 8 earlier this week. Her sources say the full versions of Windows 8 will completely disappear (at least at retail), which my colleague Jared Newman speculated about last month.
Read also:
Windows 8 pricing for system builders said to be roughly the same as Windows 7 (ZDNet)
How to optimise Windows 8 with new hardware (Techworld.com)
Microsoft to launch Windows 8 on Oct. 25 (CBS News)
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