Microsoft is making the Windows 8 upgrade available via preorder on October 12, 2012, if you haven’t already laid your hands on a copy on the release-to-manufacturing bits through TechNet, BizSpark, MSDN as well as volume licensing or any other channel for that matter.
If you want the reserved packaged DVD of the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro, then it can be obtained at Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, the Microsoft Store, Amazon.com and Newegg among other retailers – and which is priced at $69.99.
As for those who want to install Windows 8 on a Mac or even are looking to build their own PCs, they should also be able to build a system builder/ OEM license, and which is costs almost the same as a Windows 7 system builder license – $99.99 for Windows 8 and $139.99 for Windows 8 Pro.
With that said, it must be noted that there is no fully packaged Windows 8 product available at retail stores, and can only be obtained if you buy the OEM or system builder license.
For those who want to avail of Microsoft’s earlier offer of an upgrade priced at $39.99 will have to wait until October 26 to upgrade it via Windows.com – since this offer doesn’t include DVD media, the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant to get their Windows 8 copies.
Again, those who bought Windows 7 PCs after June 2 and who also want to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro can do so after October 26 as well.
Finally, Microsoft has not yet announced pricing or a pre-order date for its PCs/ Surface RT tablet, which will be available in both online and brick-and-mortar stores.