Tag Archives: Windows8Pro

Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience

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Windows 8 upgrade diary part one: the buying experience

There were balloons. There were streamers. There were brand new Ultrabooks, members of staff unfurling banners, and -- once other customers started to arrive -- there was even a vibe of genuine excitement for today's official launch of Windows 8 in the UK. But whichever aisle I scanned, nowhere was to be found what I had come to buy: a Windows 8 disc for desktop upgraders. It was a faltering start, but it was also strangely symbolic of my mission -- namely, to explore what Microsoft's latest operating system can do for regular desktop folk. People who, in other words, aren't yet looking to invest in touch-enabled monitors or laptops or all-in-ones; who rarely get the chance to lean back with a media-consumption tablet; and who simply want to upgrade their traditional tower PC before getting on with their lives. Read on past the break and you can begin this potentially short, hopefully sweet journey with me, starting with a quick rundown of my test rig (which also happens to be my mission critical work computer) and an anti-climactic revelation about whether, in the end, I ever found the software box I was looking for.

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Windows 8 upgrade diary: the buying experience originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 18:41:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft offering free Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users until January 31st 2013

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Microsoft offering free Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users until January 31st 2013

Home theater PC enthusiasts weren't too thrilled when Microsoft announced that it was stripping Media Center and its codecs for DVD playback and broadcast TV from Windows 8 in favor of a paid add-on. The folks from Redmond are offering a temporary reprieve, in an effort to reward early adopters. Windows 8 Media Center Pack is for free to customers who purchase Windows 8 Pro... at least until January 31st 2013. This promo requires that you enter your product key at the company's website in order to receive your free upgrade. Sadly, when the discount period for Pro upgrades ends, so too does the ability to score Media Center for free. Microsoft never revealed the price for its Media Center Pack, only referring to it as "economical." While we appreciate affordable software, there's nothing more cost effective than a freebie.

[Thanks, Neal]

Update: As commenters (and tipsters) have pointed out, the Media Center upgrade is available to non-Pro users for $9.99 or €9.99, respectively. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Microsoft offering free Media Center upgrade to Windows 8 Pro users until January 31st 2013 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:27:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949

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Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949

The Wire's Lester Freamon was never too far away from his Panasonic Toughbook, and we'd bet he'd be able to handle plenty more wiretaps with one of these. This is the Toughbook C2, the company's latest 12.5-inch convertible notebook for Windows 8 Pro that's designed for healthcare professionals and daring explorer types. On the hardware side, there's an Intel Core i5-3427U vPro CPU, 11 hours of battery life and a pair of USB 3.0 ports. You'll be staring into a 500 nit, LCD IPS display (and a 720p webcam) that offers five-point multitouch and a digitizer so you can scrawl down your notes with a stylus. Connectivity options include 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth and a choice of either LTE or Gobi global 3G. As you might have guessed from the name, it'll withstand a 30-inch drop and can take up to six ounces of freshly-brewed coffee being spilled over its magnesium alloy body. The Toughbook C2 starts shipping from December, with the base model setting you, and the Baltimore PD, back $2,949 with a three-year warranty.

Gallery: Panasonic Toughbook C2

Continue reading Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949

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Panasonic introduces new Toughbook C2 convertible tablet with Windows 8 Pro for $2,949 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Slickdeals’ best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

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Looking to save some coin on your tech purchases? Of course you are! In this round-up, we'll run down a list of the freshest frugal buys, hand-picked with the help of the folks at Slickdeals. You'll want to act fast, though, as many of these offerings won't stick around long.

Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

With the GoPro Hero3 announcement yesterday, the outfit's HD Hero2 is already seeing a nice discount. The action cam visits today's round of links alongside a 14-inch Lenovo IdeaPad and two Windows 8 options. Head on past the break to see what else is being offered with handsome savings, and as always, be mindful of those coupon codes and rebate forms should you need 'em. Don't drag your feet, though, as these deals are likely to disappear quickly.

Continue reading Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410

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Slickdeals' best in tech for October 17th: Windows 8 Pro, GoPro HD Hero2 and Lenovo IdeaPad U410 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 now available to try at Best Buy

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DNP Windows 8 now available to try at Best Buy

Microsoft's already opened up the floodgates with Windows 8 pre-orders, and it looks as if those still on the fence now have a sandbox to goof off in. Pictured above is a trio of Windows 8 notebooks from a Best Buy located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and we actually called around to confirm with several other stores that a similar setup had been erected in their locales. Nah, we can't make October 26th get here any faster, but at least you know where to head if you're looking for a sample.

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Windows 8 now available to try at Best Buy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 17:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed: standard OEM $99, Pro Pack $139, pre-order from today

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Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed by Newegg, Windows

We're almost there. Just a few more days until the big reveal. But that doesn't mean there aren't still a few final Windows 8 secrets to be disclosed. Two of those are the price and the packaging, which online retailer Newegg has just let slip. There are four packages listed: Windows 8 Professional Upgrade ($69), Windows 8 Pro Pack ($69, product key card only), Windows 8 OEM ($99) and Windows 8 Professional ($139), with the latter two being available in both 32- and 64-bit versions (for the same price). If you go into the product page, however, we can see that the original price for the upgrade and product key card only versions is listed as "$199" suggesting that this might either be a launch offer, or subject to change. Don't forget though, there's still the chance to upgrade for an even lower price, for those who qualify. You can officially reserve your copy of Pro from today for $69.99 at all the main retailers, but if you can hold back on that impulse purchase for just a little longer, you'll be able to upgrade to Pro online for $39 (until January 31st). Follow the source for details.

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Windows 8 packaging and pricing revealed: standard OEM $99, Pro Pack $139, pre-order from today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 09:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Panasonic shows off foldable Windows 8 Ultrabook hybrid, launches October 26 (hands-on)

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Panasonic shows off its foldable Windows 8 Ultrabook hybrid, launches on October 26

Found along the sidelines of Panasonic's CEATEC booth, the AX series Ultrabook is a foldable hybrid that will be arriving in Japanese stores later this month. Ready to launch with Windows 8 (both standard or Pro) built-in, the Ultrabook houses a 11.6-inch touch display at the ever-popular 1,366 x 768 resolution, although it feels a little on the thick side, and is unmistakably Panasonic in its styling. Connectivity options are legion, with two USB 3.0 ports on the right edge, accompanied by HDMI socket. On the other side, there's an SD card reader, ethernet, power, mic and headphone ports. The hinge seems suitably solid, and while that touchscreen isn't the most attractive we've seen on Windows 8 hardware, the keyboard felt pretty similar to existing business laptops and our fingertips had plenty of space. Otherwise, we were left to play with a Japanese iteration of Windows 8, which seemed nice and responsive in both tablet and notebook setups, although our playtime was limited.

The AX series will launch in Japan on October 26th in three different permutations, starting with an Intel Core i5 processor clocked at 1.7GHz or 1.8GHz, and a Core i7 at 1.9GHz. There's 4GB of memory and a 128GB SDD in all three, while the hybrid bucks the trend by offering a removable battery, with both the faster Core i5 and the Core i7 models coming with an extra cell bundled in. That top-end processor will also arrive with connectable projector for business types. Check out our brief hands-on after the break, or hit the source for the full list of specs.

Gallery: Panasonic AX series hybrid Ultrabook at CEATEC 2012

Continue reading Panasonic shows off foldable Windows 8 Ultrabook hybrid, launches October 26 (hands-on)

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Panasonic shows off foldable Windows 8 Ultrabook hybrid, launches October 26 (hands-on) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:51:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lenovo ThinkPad 2 pegged for October 26th release, with a $799 price tag

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DNP Lenovo ThinPad 2 pegged for October 26th release, with a $799 price tag

In the land of tweets and tell-alls, keeping privileged information on the down-low is next to impossible. Oddly enough, pricing and release details for the ThinkPad 2 didn't require much espionage. At last night's PepCom event, Lenovo reps told WP Central that the Windows 8-powered slab will be available on October 26th for $799. This price point might be a tad on the high side for some, but it does include the tablet's optional keyboard. As a refresher, the ThinkPad 2 sports a 10.1-inch IPS display, an Intel Atom processor and NFC, all powered by an alleged 10 hour battery. For the data gluttons out there, AT&T's LTE is on the menu stateside. Whether or not this pricing and release information holds true, we'll still have to see what else surfaces before making a final decision this holiday season.

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Lenovo ThinkPad 2 pegged for October 26th release, with a $799 price tag originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 20:11:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft announces $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users

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Microsoft announces $3999 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users

Microsoft has already detailed the Windows 8 upgrade route for those buying a new computer, and it's now finally confirmed what everyone else will be paying when they upgrade their existing PC. Those running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 will able to download a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for just $39.99. That's a far cry from the company's earlier upgrade prices, which as recently as Windows 7 ran $50 and $99 for Home Premium and Pro upgrades, respectively. You will have to pay a bit more if you want packaged DVD version of the upgrade, though, with it running $69.99 at retail -- it also sounds like both of those prices will be going up when the promotion ends on January 31st of next year. Not surprisingly, the upgrade process will vary depending on the OS you're currently using. Those making the jump all the way from Windows XP will only able to bring their personal files with them, while those on Vista will be able to bring their personal files and Windows settings, but no applications. And, if you're wondering about Media Center, it will be available as a free option once the upgrade is finished.

Microsoft announces $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jul 2012 15:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Watch Microsoft’s Surface keynote now online, relive the mystery unveil from the comfort of your browser (update: video for everybody)

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Watch Microsoft's Surface keynote now online, re-live the mystery unveil from the comfort of your browser

Missed the liveblog? Caught the details, but wanted to see it unfold blow-by-blow? No problem, as Microsoft has uploaded the whole shebang for your viewing pleasure. Compatible browsers can jump in after the break, or hit the source link for a direct download link.

Update: We've re-embedded the video via viddler so that everyone can enjoy.

Continue reading Watch Microsoft's Surface keynote now online, relive the mystery unveil from the comfort of your browser (update: video for everybody)

Watch Microsoft's Surface keynote now online, relive the mystery unveil from the comfort of your browser (update: video for everybody) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 04:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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