So ideally, I will build my new computer and install Windows 8 and use it for years and years. But what if I need to install a new motherboard or CPU in a year or two (fritz, electrical, malfunction, etcetera)? This would flip the "new PC flag" in Windows 8, right?
I usually buy the "full version" of my OS, not upgrades; so that I can just avoid this issue. However, this time around with Windows 8, it appears that even the $139 version of Windows 8 Pro is locked to the system you install it on. I interpret that to mean that anytime you buy a motherboard, you need to also buy a new license of Windows 8; even if you are installing that new motherboard into your old system.
If I read this correctly and the $139 version is indeed locked to the hardware, then I'm not really getting any more value than I would with the $39 Upgrade, except that it would reduce the amount of stuff I have to do to initially install the newest OS. A one-time task, about an hour's worth of my time, as easy as building my new system, installing and activating one of my old XP, Vista, or Win 7 licenses on it, then upgrading it immediately to Windows 8. Or following one of the many "clean install" articles out there.
Your thoughts?