Windows 8 Pro: New PC Buyers Could Save 90%

Earlier this week, reports emerged suggesting that consumers who buy a Windows 7 PC after June, 2012, would be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for a fee.

Now there's more clarification on the offer: a new report indicates that the upgrade will cost those who can't wait and who buy a computer with the older operating system just $14.99.

For some, the $15 charge won't seem like a lot of money. However, it's $15 more than what Microsoft charged buyers of new PCs to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7, in similar circumstances back in 2009.

There was also no charge to buyers of Windows XP machines who later sought to upgrade to Windows Vista, which was released in early 2007.

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Offer Represents Savings of 93%

In order to qualify for the rumored Windows 8 discount deal, consumers would have to purchase a new Windows 7-based PC between early June, 2012, and January, 2013.

The good news is that the Windows 8 Pro operating system (OS) provided in the upgrade deal will have everything consumers need in an OS, including the DVD support which is conspicuously missing from the standard version of Windows 8.

For those who qualify, the $15 upgrade price represents an estimated savings of more than 90 per cent, assuming Windows 8 Pro retails for about $199. (Source: computerworld.com)

For now, it remains unclear if buyers of Windows 7 PCs will be able to upgrade to the standard version of Windows 8 for free.

Microsoft Stays Mum About Pricing

As for the  rumor of the $15 upgrade, many are taking the report with a grain of salt. The news source for this was not Microsoft, but Windows blogger Paul Thurrott. Microsoft has not yet commented on the rumor, nor has it revealed an official pricing structure for Windows 8.

"Unfortunately, we have nothing further to share," a Microsoft spokesperson said after being asked about the rumored upgrade deal. (Source: msnbc.com)