Cheapest way to get Windows 8

[silvarios]

Not sure if Windows 10 will work for my needs, as the software I require is completely untested (PS3 save game unlock software). I'm thinking $50 for a Windows 8 installer would be grand, but have no idea if there is any legal way to muster such a price point.

Thinking USB booting on my Intel NUC would work alright assuming I use a guide like, http://lifehacker.com/how-to-run-a-porta...1565509124 . Also, what's with Windows being brain dead about booting from USB installations? Note, not a Windows installer on USB, which seems to work fine, but actually installing Windows to a USB device.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Racer X mentioned once that Tiger Direct had a sale on Windows licenses on Black Friday ($40), but there is no guarantee they will repeat it.

[silvarios]

Alternately, what's the cheapest x86 Windows tablet or cheap Netbook type thing already loaded with Windows 8? Anything close to $100. I seriously only require an app to unlock my PS3 saves. If it is useful for anything else, great! However, my main focus is the PS3 save unlock software that is unfortunately Windows only.

[silvarios]

Filliam H. Muffman wrote:
Racer X mentioned once that Tiger Direct had a sale on Windows licenses on Black Friday ($40), but there is no guarantee they will repeat it.

That's a great price! Anything I can snag in the next couple weeks would be better, even if someone has a similar sale in November.

[pRICE cUBE]

Cheapest way to get the Windows 8 experience is to go dip your head whole head in lemon juice with your eye open.

[silvarios]

pRICE cUBE wrote:
Cheapest way to get the Windows 8 experience is to go dip your head whole head in lemon juice with your eye open.

Will that let me run the app to unlock my PS3 save games? If so, great!

[Filliam H. Muffman]

Various places have the Intel Compute Stick for $150. I thought it had been on sale for $130 but I didn't see any recent listings (Dealnews deletes a lot content like this after 120 days).

[onthedownlow]

If the software works with Windows 8 - then it probably works just fine with Windows 7 and Windows 10. I wouldn't worry and just upgrade to Win10 for free and call it good.

[silvarios]

onthedownlow wrote:
If the software works with Windows 8 - then it probably works just fine with Windows 7 and Windows 10. I wouldn't worry and just upgrade to Win10 for free and call it good.

I still need something to run Windows, so…maybe a cheap WinBook tablet running Win 8.1 is the way to go. If only I could find the older WinBook TW801 in stock. Perhaps a bit better performance from the older Atom, but more importantly USB 3 if I actually need to use the tablet for anything useful.

The reason I originally targeted Windows 8.1 was availability of cheaper deals and the ability to boot from USB a bit easier if necessary. If I get a dedicated device, the latter doesn't matter so much (as Windows is already installed internally).

[rjmacs]

silvarios wrote:
[quote=onthedownlow]
If the software works with Windows 8 - then it probably works just fine with Windows 7 and Windows 10. I wouldn't worry and just upgrade to Win10 for free and call it good.

I still need something to run Windows, so…maybe a cheap WinBook tablet running Win 8.1 is the way to go. If only I could find the older WinBook TW801 in stock. Perhaps a bit better performance from the older Atom, but more importantly USB 3 if I actually need to use the tablet for anything useful.

The reason I originally targeted Windows 8.1 was availability of cheaper deals and the ability to boot from USB a bit easier if necessary. If I get a dedicated device, the latter doesn't matter so much (as Windows is already installed internally).
How often will you need to run this software? Wouldn't it be easier just to borrow someone's laptop for a couple hours?