To buy windows 7 now or to wait for 8

[Heavenkiss]

Lookin at building a PC for gaming / illustrator over the bank holiday.

Should i go with windows 7 or wait for 8? Heard there might be a free upgrade option for purchases after 2nd june

[Xenor]

I'm having the same problem. I can't decide whether to upgrade my PC now and buy Windows 7 or wait for 8. I'm not too keen on 8 however.

[pipTheGeek]

Having tried the Windows 8 preview, I'd suggest buying quick while you can still buy Windows 7! I personally will be avoiding Windows 8 for as long as possible.

[Xenor]

What I want to know is if I buy Windows 7 OEM now will I qualify for the $15 upgrade or is that only for people buying systems built by manufacturers who install it for you like Dell?

[Rookie1986]

I think everyone who buys it after "X" date qualifies but the question is, when are Microsoft going to release W8 and how far back will the upgrade offer back date?

Most reports are saying W8 isn't due until the end of the year so I doubt M$ will back date 6 months worth of W7 purchases and offer them a reduced upgrade to W8 but I could be wrong....

Just buy W7, build your new system and enjoy it, tbh you would be silly to adopt W8 on day 1 because it's sure to have loads of problems just like they always do.

Rookie

[Xenor]

The start date is today, June 2nd. But the page confuses me as to whether it applies to just PCs built by shops or standalone OEM purchases. Sounds like it only applies to pre-installed systems on there.

https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-UK/Home/ProgramInfo

[badass]

You can evaluate Windows 7 legally for 90 days using a Microsoft documented and approved way to reset the 30 day activation counter 3 times. That might buy you some time. Presumably, by september you'll know if you can buy Windows 7 and get an ultra cheap upgrade to windows 8.

[LSG501]

You can evaluate Windows 7 legally for 90 days using a Microsoft documented and approved way to reset the 30 day activation counter 3 times. That might buy you some time. Presumably, by september you'll know if you can buy Windows 7 and get an ultra cheap upgrade to windows 8.

If they're doing that they may as well test the current win 8 public releases. Not everyone likes windows 8 so it may be worth testing it while there's a chance to get windows 7....

[Xenor]

You can evaluate Windows 7 legally for 90 days using a Microsoft documented and approved way to reset the 30 day activation counter 3 times. That might buy you some time. Presumably, by september you'll know if you can buy Windows 7 and get an ultra cheap upgrade to windows 8.

Can you? Where can I find info on this? Sounds like a good plan as Windows 7 may fall in price nearer 8's release.

[zhuzh]

Having tried the Windows 8 preview, I'd suggest buying quick while you can still buy Windows 7! I personally will be avoiding Windows 8 for as long as possible.

What don't you like about 8?

[LSG501]

What don't you like about 8?

If he's anything like me it will be the 'start' menu that's been made for touchscreen's at the detriment of the mouse based desktop

[shayr1992]

If he's anything like me it will be the 'start' menu that's been made for touchscreen's at the detriment of the mouse based desktop

Can you not disable the Metro menu in the RC?

[aidanjt]

Can you not disable the Metro menu in the RC?

Nope. Windows 8 is a slow motion train wreck of uselessness.

[=assassin=]

Another thumbs up for Win7 from me, as Win8 is basically just Win7 with that awful Metro interface included. It does have some other features too, but nothing that outweighs having Metro.

[simonpreston]

Go with Windows 7. As others have said, the Metro UI is pointless 'innovation' for the desktop and you'll soon find yourself longing for the Start Menu back ('soon' as in '2 minutes').

[crossy]

Ooh, that's a no-brainer.

1. Windows 8 desktop interface is ... "interesting" ... unless you're sure you can live with it (or even like it) then '7's a better bet;

2. Windows 7 has been out for a long time now, so it's pretty stable - or at least as stable as Windows gets. Windows 8 on the other hand will be a new release so prepare for problems - unless you're planning to wait until Win8SP1 is out. With Windows7 I bought early (to get the best deal) and then stayed with WindowsXP until SP1 was out for '7 - never regretted that;

3. Windows 7 - especially as the time for the Win8 launch gets closer - will probably be discounted;

4. Microsoft may offer some juicy launch offers on "upgrade" kits to '8, so you can always get '7 now, buy a launch day upgrade kit and keep your options open;

5. You can get Windows7 now but Windows 8 (unless you're planning to use the Consumer Preview) you'll have to wait for. If I was building a new rig then I wouldn't be happy to wait until a new OS was available.

But, just my opinion.