Windows 8 from Staples

[RaVakin]

Looking to get Win8 for my new build i ordered. What is the difference in these 3 products (besides the price)?
1. http://www.staples.com/Windows-81-Pro-Pack-1-License-Boxed/product_302696
2. http://www.staples.com/Windows-81-1-License-Boxed/product_276262
3. http://www.staples.com/Windows-81-Pro-Pack-for-Windows-1-User-Download/product_311151

 

[Alec Mowat]

None of them

"Only to be purchased for a PC already running Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 Pro Pack is not intended to upgrade from Windows 7, Vista or XP. Bring all the aspects of your life together-create, play, discover, connect, and work. Protect your data by encrypting it with BitLocker. Access one PC from another with Remote Desktop. Connect to your company network with domain join. Plus, get Windows Media Center."

This is why you need:
http://www.staples.com/Windows-81-1-License-Boxed/product_276262

But you can find it cheaper at other places.

 

[USAFRet]

1. Pro Pack - to update from 8.1 to 8.1 Pro + Media center
2. Full install of Win 8.1
3. Same as #1, but download instead of a physical DVD

#2 is what you want.

EDIT: Unknown as to whether #2 actually includes the install media.

Cheaper here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832416776

 

[geofelt]

Good question.

The cheapest is a download. I would prefer a dvd that has the ability to be booted and do some recovery functions.
I think you can generate a dvd with the download version.

The other two, one is the PRO version and the other is the standard version.
Here are the differences:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compare

 

[mbreslin1954]

If you sign up for Newegg's e-mail alerts, you can frequently find Windows 8.1 (non-Pro) for as low as $84.99. It seems every week or two it's on sale, if you have the time to wait for it. But you should never have to pay $129 for it.