If you're a collector of fancy Windows retails packages, then you're out of luck it seems. Rumors says that Microsoft is planning to skip the retail version of Windows 8 and will only offer an upgrade DVD and OEM version of its latest OS. This rumor was spread by two well informed Microsoft watchers, Paul Thurrot and Marey Jo Foley.
At the moment it's possible to buy a relative expensive Windows retail version, but it's also possible to get the cheaper upgrade or OEM / System Builder kit version. The latter was originally only for system builders, but now in most markets also available to consumers. Usually there is a huge price difference between the retail and the OEM version which can only be explained by the fact that retail buyers get 90 days of phone support.
If their rumor is right, this could well explain why Windows 8 will probably be cheaper than expected, based upon the announcement of Microsoft that an upgrade from Windows XP and higher to Windows 8 Pro will be $40,- and be made available by downloading it.
