Rumor has it that Microsoft is planning to scrap the full retail edition of the upcoming Windows 8, offering only upgrades and OEM System Builder copies in its place. OEM copies of Windows have always been a popular cheap alternative to the rather pricey full editions, offering the bare bones Windows experience without all the fancy Microsoft add-ons.

Microsoft has already confirmed that there will be a Windows 8 OEM edition and we’ve known that they’ll be released a $39.99 Pro upgrade for users with Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7. We’ve known what to expect, now we know what not to expect.

The rumored Windows 8 release date is late October, so expect to see the Pro upgrade and the OEM System Builder edition around that time. If the rumor proves true and Microsoft nixes the full edition, let’s hope that the OEM copy stays affordable.

via The Verge