Cheap USB installation of Windows 8.1

[billismcwillis]

Hello all, I'm looking for a way to cheaply activate a fresh install of Windows 8 installed from USB. I'll be creating the USB from the installation media creation tool available from Microsoft here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

I'm assuming I'll have to buy a license key from them, but I don't want to pay the full Microsoft price of $200 for 8.1 pro when Newegg has it for $139. I would simply buy the DVD from Newegg, but I don't have an optical drive in my computer. Is it possible to just use the license key from a purchased DVD on the downloaded copy of Windows, or can I get the product key directly for cheaper using another method?

It seems silly to pay the full $200 for the convenience of downloading. I could easily buy the DVD and an optical drive from newegg for cheaper than that.

 

[cin19]

You can buy the win8.1 from any retail stores like B&H for $92. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1043542-REG/microsoft_wn7_00615_windows_8_1_64_bit.html
The use the product key from that dvd, you can install the win8.1.