So you are in the market for a new PC, but you don’t want to take the jump before Windows 8 arrives? Microsoft SA has now confirmed that if you buy a Windows 7 PC now, you will get Windows 8 for only $15 once it becomes available. Microsoft has launched a Windows Upgrade Offer, which will allow qualifying buyers the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for around R125, which they can redeem when Windows 8 becomes generally available.

 “We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,” the company said in a statement. “The Windows Upgrade Offer gives you the flexibility to purchase the new Windows PC you need today, with the knowledge that you can easily upgrade to Windows 8 when it’s available.”

Needless to say, there are some terms and conditions. The offer is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that come preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period of June 2, 2012, – Jan. 31, 2013 and redeemed before the program expires at the end of February 2013. You need to register at Microsoft’s Windows Upgrade Offer site, and then once Windows 8 is available to the public, the user will get an email to let them know the download is available. From there the user can install the Windows 8 image on a USB flash drive, or burn it to a disc. Easy enough.

Our opinion? Wait for Windows 8 before you buy a machine, because we have a suspicion the new gesture controls will require decent trackpads which most Windows PCs don’t ship with yet. Just our 2 cents.

Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting the day it’s made generally available. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft.