$39.99?

Nope, they will have to pay me...

Thing is, underneath that ghastly Metro abomination, Win 8 is a much faster and more refined Win 7... plus it better utilises multi-core CPU's and memory, even in the 32 bit iteration... though one would have to have rocks in their head to remain on that tired old path.  Furthermore, it will have native 3D and ISO management, a couple more reasons to think more about it given the revelation that Stardock is working on a way to bypass Metro and boot directly into the desktop.  And more importantly for me, is the better relationship that Win 8 will have with AMD's Bulldozer range of CPU's.

While some 'experts' said the initial benchmark tests of AMD's latest CPU range were not astounding, the word from AMD and MS is that Bulldozer [or FX] CPU's will perform considerably better in Win 8 than they did under Win 7... and right now I can pick up their top-of-the-line eight core [the FX8170 @ 3.9ghz - 4.4ghz at full load turbo] for under $200. So yeah, why not, I'm thinking.  While my initial thought regarding Win 8 was negative because of Metro, I'm now thinking it may be to my advantage, given the increase in performance... and that the Metro mess will be exterminated by Start8.

Yep, another Windows ME or Vista!  Good find Ross.

  Funny you should mention this-   I was just thinking today about how impressed I am with Windows 7 Home Edition  after finally getting it a few months ago on a new HP desktop 'puter.    a  I also love Windows XP and will never give up that one either.      Was reading about how desktop computers are going to be phased out eventually for the hand held devices, and it will eventually just be laptops and hand-helds with Windows 8. I learned the hard way that if a hardware component breaks down, even the parts from the older computer are no longer made, nor can be replaced and Hewitt Packard (the maker of my existing PC) is phasing out all of thier desktops.    Thinking about the future,  I panicked and stopped over Best Buy this afternoon.

I found a really nice "out of box" clearance HP desktop with 8 Gigs and 1 TB  and WIFI connection, etc for only $388 after an additional 15% discount.   I bought it to set aside for when my present computer eventually dies-- because that's how much I do NOT want Windows 8, and how much I LOVE Windows 7 and desktop computers!

 -  the last time I did something like this was a few years ago when they phased out those little Sony TV's with the built in VCR's.   I am still using my little VCR/TV and my back up from Sears  (still in it's box) is stored away for when the other one dies

That is a very good point -because I feel you're right-    I can forsee alot more $$$ for places like Tiger Direct, etc, in the future, with more people so disgusted with the big manufacturers, that they learn to build them themselves.  

I recall some time ago that PC manufacturers were complaining that sales were down... around about the same time as the component companies were registering increased sales... and I see that same scenario happening in the very near future.

There have always been those dissatisfied with off-the-shelf PC,s, but as more and more users become disenchanted with pre-built non-excellence, so will blossom more and more home-builders seeking better bang for their buck.... something truly of their own choosing, rather than what they're given in a box off the shelf.

Exactly.... and more importantly, better upgrade options if/when required.  Most OEM machines are 'closed' systems and cannot be upgraded to any degree, meaning users are stuck with below par non-excellence.

not sure why everyone is hating that much on it...i can understand that ist strange to adapt to it but it doesnt take that long...the OS is blazing fast/the IE is the best i have seen so far ( the Metro IE ) i like the taskmanager a lot beeing able to set my startups and so on its great - I myself just recently installed the "rp" and i must say it is "damn good" and i can see benefits over 7 already ok Features have been removed but hey you still can have your dual boot if you will miss them... Im using the rp for 2 days now and i dont care about the missing startmenu i like pressing the Windows key and overviewing all my installed apps at once without klicking various Folders to see them. I dont like pulling stuff from top to middle to taskbar to close them( i would like to see some shutdown Buttons there) but hey that´s only for Metro so ist still ok... Also installed Start8 and ist working great while i still think there is room for improvement- the menu could strech a little more so you would not have to scroll but thats only me no pun intended i like it I think for that amount of money this upgrade is a great deal... AS far as i see - all i will be missing is a skinned Startmenu...The main Start ( Metro ) background can be skinned already but i think it doesnt have to be skinned since it should be clean and overviewable and it is. View flaws that i found so far in the rp are playing a game and watching a stream meanwhile on a dual monitor setup will cause the stream to lag contacted MS and waiting for an answer but thats the only issue i ran into so far...