Microsoft is now accepting pre-orders for the boxed version of Windows 8, which will officially release on October 26. PC makers are also upgrading by pre-installling the new version of Microsoft’s operating system on new machines and devices.
Microsoft spokesman Brandon LeBlanc talked up the packaging, which comes in a variety of colors and is composed entirely of paper-based materials. That “allowed us to make an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. And we’ve reduced the packaging weight by 41 percent,” he wrote in a blog post.
Consumers who want the DVD version of Windows can pre-order the new operating system in the U.S. for $69.99 from Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, and the Microsoft Store.
For those who want a new PC to go along with the new OS, partners like Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Samsung, and Sony are also now accepting pre-orders for their version 8 PCs.
However, if you have an acceptable PC and want to upgrade to version 8 without the hassle of a boxed product, you can also purchase the upgrade via Windows.com for $39.99. The online and boxed upgrade options, however, only run through Jan. 31, 2013 so make the move sooner rather than later.
If you purchased a Windows 7 PC since June 2, meanwhile, you can get the version 8 upgrade for $14.99 starting Oct. 26.
Microsoft this week rolled out an update to Windows 8 in advance of its final release. The company is reportedly spending more than $1 billion on the marketing campaign for its latest operating system; several ads leaked online this week, but were promptly pulled offline by Redmond.