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Windows 8.1 Retail $70 at Big W

1350

Office 2013 also $70 and Office 365 5pc is $60. Part of drop zone sale. Seen at Big W Shepparton.

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    • +13

      It will only be free for users of Windows 7 or 8. Nobody using Windows 7 would upgrade to Windows 8. This would most likely appeal to people still using XP or Vista.

      • -4

        This would most likely appeal to people still using XP or Vista.

        Those users using XP or Vista would most likely need a new computer, and they come free with Windows Bing… (Which is Windows 8.1)

        • +1

          all new computers come with Windows Bing? that's news to me.

        • +7

          People with a Core 2 Duo/Quad would need a new PC?! Rubbish.

        • +25

          @MrZ: everything jv says is complete rubbish. they wont need a new computer. anyone using Vista will probably get a performance boost going to 7 or 8

        • +2

          Vista runs slower than 7 and 8, who ever upgrade their system from vista to win8 will feel much smother.

        • +25

          anyone using windows vista will get a performance boost going to Windows 98

        • @ShinjukuJR:

          ShinjukuJR is right that moving from Vista to either Windows 7 or 8 will be a big boost. This has been tested elsewhere and Windows 8.1 works very well on most Vista era machines.

          A good way to check if Windows 8 would work well on an old machine, is actually to testdrive the Windows 10 technical preview. This is because most of the performance upgrades in Windows 8 are reportedly also present in Windows 10. Might have to chase down a few drivers though.

          On my 5+ years old Dell (which is already fast due to an SSD and using mostly using portable apps), the Windows 10 technical preview was noticeably more snappy than Windows 7. While I'm not going to bother paying $10 to upgrade the machine to Windows 8.1, I'm certainly considering the switch to Windows 10 when it's released.

        • If the PC is low enough spec and the manufacturer sets bing as the default search engine they can use Win 8.1 for free.

        • +1

          @ShinjukuJR:

          This is NOT technically correct and I have no idea where you guys get this idea that windows 8 just works with everything.

          It will depend on a few factors but most critically the support for windows 8.x drivers for all the key components in your computer.

          I bought 3 windows 8 pro licenses not that long ago and now have two unusable windows 8 pro licenses to prove how important it is to do this research. I had to roll back two installations to windows 7 in these cases, not even xp or vista!

          If you have laptop, check the manufacturers support site for drivers that work with windows 8 and the exact version (8 or 8.1 and whether its 32 or 64 bit) If its a PC then you need to check all the KEY parts for supported drivers like motherboard, video card and any special cards you need to keep, e.g. tv tuners, capture cards etc.

          Windows 8 boots faster than 7, and is usable if you install class shell.

        • -1

          insert troll music

        • @MrZ: Throughout the years hard disk, RAM would have needed upgrading if you have a CPU from that era so when you upgraded those I'm not sure why you didn't upgraded the OS too!

          He has a point! Time to upgrade your system

      • -8

        you could always just use a pirated copy of 7 or 8 and get a free windows 10 when it's released ;-)
        http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/18/8241023/windows-10-free-fo…

        • +2

          Only for China?

        • +1

          Nah it's for everyone. BUT, if you upgrade a pirated copy of Windows 7/8/8.1, it'll still be noted as a pirated copy of Windows 10.

      • +1

        I did. Much faster and generally better all around.

        • Exactly, so many performance improvements in Windows 8.

          After using StartIsBack, and removing Metro apps, then it's a great OS.

        • +1

          @RJK: using startisback for both my win 8 pc's….

      • Nobody using Windows 7 would upgrade to Windows 8.

        I did ($15 Pro N from reddit).

        Best upgrade other than an SSD for that laptop.

        • Wow I didn't know anyone in australia who did that, was it easy? paypal payment or something shady like a bank transfer?

        • I've bought three copies from r/microsoftsoftwareswap now. As long as you get a legit seller, who people have upvoted enough, it's fine. They always ask you to send it as a gift, though I send it as a payment anyway. I know they lose out a little, but it means I have some level of insurance.

          Also, I strongly recommend buying the non-N keys, as some games require codecs which aren't built in by default.

        • @gagiman: Hi gagiman - it's as simple as a PayPal payment, and they send you the code. I used MrJeffy and the process from woe to go was around 20 minutes.

          Echoing what AlexD said - he asked me if possible to send as a gift to avoid PayPal fees, but as we're international to them it shifts the burden of fees onto us. For that reason I did it as a normal payment and told him so.

        • +1

          @AlexD:

          Also, I strongly recommend buying the non-N keys,
          as some games require codecs which aren't built in by default.

          Wouldn't that be fixable by simply downloading the Media Feature Pack for 8.1N:
          http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2929699

          This includes:
          MPEG, WMA, AAC, and Dolby Digital audio codecs.
          VC-1, MPEG-4, and H.264 codecs.

        • @RJK: thanks for the information you two, will probably get it this year so I get a free upgrade to 10

        • @RJK:

          According to s5ean the N version is not eligible for windows 10 upgrade. Anyone can back that up?

        • @nairdajun: While I can't confirm this, I also can't see any reason why they'd block N users from the free upgrade. It's part of their business strategy to get as many people onto Windows 10 afterall.

          In any case, I still have two copies of Windows 7 I can convert to Windows 10 so I'm not too worried.

    • +1

      No they cleared that up, they will update pirates but they are still pirates.

      At this stage only Windows 7 and 8 get a free upgrade to 10.

    • -2

      The Windows 10 upgrade is only free for a year, and installing it over a pirate copy of 8.x or 7 does not suddenly make it legal or genuine.

      • So what happens if after 1 year, you need to reformat your HDD. How do you get Windows 10 then?

        • +4

          There's a secret no one would tell you but I will. You buy it.

        • +7

          A better way to put it is you have one year in which you can upgrade to Windows 10 for free. After one year you can still upgrade but you pay. Once upgraded you are good forever.

        • +1

          @rabbit71:

          I want to continue using Windows 7 until 2020 - when support ends. But I still want the free upgrade when the time comes. Is there any way of getting the upgrade but not actually having to install it?

        • +2

          @MrZ:

          Put in another HD, install it, then swap it out for the old one?

        • @terrys:

          I was under the impression it converted your cd key? Ie: answer is no.

        • If it was me here's how I'd do it:

          1. Download drivers BEFORE upgrading to make sure I had my ducks in a row.
          2. Save all my data using windows easy transfer(make sure you understand how email back works if you use desktop application email).
          3. Create a windows image using windows backup just in case I missed something.
          4. Upgrade to Windows 10 and use produkey or something to obtain my key.
          5. Make a clean install of Windows 10 if you can obtain the installation disc.
          6. Make a restore point before you install drivers.
          7. Install drivers and if they all work create another windows image.
          8. Move all your user data over.

          You can use DVDs but it's alot easier to make a windows image onto an external HDD.

      • +4

        It's free for the first year - yes, then anyone who doesn't get it in this period will need to pay for it…Much like when Windows 8 was introduced with the special pricing offers of $25 and such. There is not then an additional cost for users who updated in the first year.

      • I assume it will be tied to your Microsoft Account

      • +1

        The Windows 10 upgrade is only free for a year,

        It's not a subscription.

        If you upgrade within the first year, then you get it for free. The licence stays with you.

        • Yes but if you need to reinstall your PC after a hdd failure past that first year you will have to buy it

        • +1

          @Agret: Isn't that what people thought about the Windows 7 upgrade from Vista?

          If that becomes the case, then just start with a clean install of Windows 7/8, upgrade to Windows 10 - then make a backup image.

          Lots of free software out there for that, e.g. Macrium Free, RedoBackup and Restore, Clonezilla.

        • @RJK: with Windows 8 someone made a tool to backup your activation tokens so if you reinstalled you can restore your windows 8 pro with media center (the free keys from Microsoft)

      • Wait a sec.. I thought the "free upgrade for a year" meant you can claim your free (permanent) copy any time during the first year it's out? Does it actually mean you can only use it for a year then the license expires?

  • +3

    I am sure that win 8.1 is not the "professional" version.

    The pro version box is blue.

    Still it is full retail.

    cheaper than the $99 i paid for windows ME in 1999…..

    • +15

      You actually paid for windows ME?

    • +29

      I can tell you still haven't forgiven yourself.

    • 90% of people here wouldn't need, know about or utilise the features professional offers.

      • +5

        I consider myself one of the 10%

      • The odd thing is that one feature that a lot of consumers will use, inbox DVD playback, is only included with pro+media center!

        • What is inbox DVD playback? All the user's I know use vic for DVD playback.

        • @Agret: vic?

        • +1

          @Elijha: I'll assume that's a typo of VLC.

        • @Lukian: Yep, autocorrect changed my VLC to VIC lol

        • @Agret: Bit late with my reply, but I mean DVD playback with Media Player or Media Center.
          I'm actually fairly certain that VLC is illegal in some countries, it breaks patents related to Dolby Digital, DVD and MPEG2…

    • cheaper than the $99 i paid for windows ME in 1999…..

      Yes, but it's Windows 8 we're talking about. 'nuff said.

  • +1

    How much is the MS Office Home & Student 2013?

    • +5

      $70

      • +4

        Thanks. That is a really good price.

      • +1

        Thanks OP. I suggest you add Office and its price to the title.

  • is this just for the specific Big W store?

    • +2

      If it is all big W we can price match OW.

      • +2

        "Sorry we can't price match that because the shipped version of the Big W copy is 8.1.3.112 and our copies are 8.1.3.113."

        • +1

          What a load of horseshit. Office works really squirming out of their way not to Honor price matches

  • Is this price all big w?

  • +13

    I've been buying Windows 8, 8.1 from /r/microsoftsoftwareswap for my 3 laptops. Cheap, quick and does the job. Have been using them daily for a few months, no hitches.

    • +2

      Reddit? How do the swaps work

      • +1

        Reddit? How do the swaps work

        Message a seller that you want a particular product.

        They'll give you a PayPal address (or otherwise) to pay them. After you pay them, they'll send you a code.

        You can verify the code officially with Microsoft (google the URL).

    • +3

      I've only used that subreddit once, but it was a flawless transaction.

    • +1

      Thanks for that, I was looking for a cheap Office key - $15 and looks totally legit

      • +3

        It's not legit as in legal, but legit in that the product will activate fine and think it's legit because they have no way of knowing that the key is stolen or transferred against the license terms.

        • -2

          Office 2014/2015 was 15 dollars from microsoft last year or two years ago. so how can that be 'stolen', god you people talk a lot of rubbish

          Windows 8 was $10

        • +2

          @ShinjukuJR: You're comparing a key purchased directly from Microsoft to a key purchased from a random on the Internet?

          It's more likely they're selling product keys from MSDN or similar subscriptions, rather than purchasing keys in bulk from MS at super mates' rates and being so kind to pass the savings on to other random Internet users…

        • @ShinjukuJR: Windows 8 Pro upgrade was $15 USD, not sure about Office 2014/2015 since those don't even exist yet but I know for previous versions some people can get a key through their workplace for $30 under Home Use Program which they are entitled to use for as long as they work at that company.

          These deeply discounted keys are highly conditional in the license terms and are not allowed to be transferred user-to-user. There is no effective technical block in place to enforce this, but it doesn't mean that it is legal. If you were silly enough to use this for business you would not get past an audit. When you buy Windows you are not buying the product, you are buying a license to use the product, and Microsoft set the terms on the license of what you can and can't do

    • +1

      Have been using them daily for a few months

      Why you have been using Windows and Office software daily? Are you a seller?

      where do sellers source from?

      If so, why are the sellers selling so cheaply? i.e. $15 - 25 for a Windows licence key.

      • +8

        Been using the software i bought daily (office, windows 8.1 pro). Poorly worded sentence, apologies.
        I've been buying a few times from s5ean (mod of the subreddit) and can vouch for the legibility.

        ^ the hyperlink contains a FAQ too. Hope this helps.

    • +2

      Was coming here to say that. Reddit is the best place unless one can get a deal as a student.

      I can recommend MrJeffy. Whole process from start to finish took ~20 minutes.

      S5ean never got back to me.

    • $33AUD dollars from some random guy on the internet, no proof of purchase etc or pay $70 for a box version.

      • Well ~$13 AUD for a standard Windows 8.1n licence.

        The N just means it's a version made without Windows Media Player, as a result of the EU antitrust case.

        If it transpires that you want Windows Media Player, then it's free to download, along with the codecs:
        http://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2929699

        • I'd rather a version without WMP to be honest. Most MS pack in software are terrible.

        • @lostn: Yeah same, I viewed the N version as a double advantage for that reason.

          The only thing it affects for me is that I can't run the (hidden) Windows Experience Index benchmark.

      • No proof of purchase true, but I can report it's legit having got an 8.1 licence from there like some of the other comments , best $13 ever spent!!

  • Thanks for sharing. Might make a visit to my local today on the very slim chance they've got a copy.

  • +3

    Still better deals for students via the microsoft store I reckon, especially if you want other languages for the OS installed

  • +3

    Side note!
    Guys remember that Office is free to Students from High School and University!!

    Each individual has up to 5 license!

    • +1

      Source? All states? Public and Private schools?

    • +2

      not all schools. My sons isn't part of it.
      It is only eligible schools, not all.

      • +1

        That's right, although if you search you can still get discounted copies of Windows 8.1 and Office for students, e.g. $24 AUD for Windows 8.

  • +2

    Is this the pace to have a whinge about Windows 8?

    Good.

    If you're on 7 (or even XP or Vista), stay there. Windows 8 is the most frustrating operating system since windowsME. Thought I'd be used to it after 4 months, i'm not. Sucks harder than the Dyson DC33 currently on sale at BigW for $398

    • +2

      I agree. I've had Windows 8 on my notebook for over a year and I still don't like it. Just need to find some spare time to wipe it and put Windows 7 back on.

    • +11

      Windows 8 is better than 7, just because you can't figure out the start menu doesn't make it worse. it's pretty much the same but faster and better stability overall

      • +10

        For me W8 -> W8.1 was a huge difference. Really couldn't stand W8.

      • +3

        Windows 8 is better than 7, just because you can't figure out the start menu doesn't make it worse

        Microsoft didn't include start menu in Windows 8.x - that's partly the problem.

      • +6

        it's pretty much the same but faster and better stability overall

        People really need to stop making mountains out of molehills; we're talking several second differences in boot times, that's it. Gaming performance, benchmark performance and compute performance is identical. I've used Windows 8 (RTM), Windows 8 Retail, 8.1 and I use Windows 7 daily. It is not that much faster, especially not on modern SSDs from 2012 or later.

        I still cannot stand all of the different-for-the-sake-of-being-different changes to the Explorer UI, Task Manager, WPF-based apps and the ridiculous search interface.

        I don't care how many hacks, tweaks and workarounds are developed to bypass Metro, it is still here to stay and they will shoehorn back in more of Metro in Windows 10. Microsoft has made it abundantly clear it is going to pursue the tablet/mobile computing-friendly UI aggressively, as it's already a part of Office, Windows Phones, the Xbox One, etc…

        • +9

          I still cannot stand all of the different-for-the-sake-of-being-different changes to the Explorer UI, Task Manager, WPF-based apps and the ridiculous search interface.

          that about summs it up perfectly. want to change a few network settings? prepare to jump illogically between old/new interfaces with no common sense way to tell where you should go.

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