Get Laplink PCmover Professional for free
This $59.95 utility greatly simplifies making the move to a new PC. The catch? You'll have to wait on a rebate.
A new PC may not have the allure of a new car, but it's still one of life's little joys. Mostly likely it'll be faster, cleaner, and just generally more capable than your previous machine. What's not to love?
Oh, right, the hassle of moving all your stuff from the old system to the new one. Even for tech-savvy users, it's a painstaking and often error-filled process. If only there was a utility that could handle the job, a software-based moving company for your programs, files, and settings.
There is. For a limited time, you can get Laplink PCmover Professional (Win) absolutely free after a mail-in rebate. It normally sells for $59.95, though your initial out-of-pocket expense is $39.99 if you purchase it direct from Laplink or $29.99 if you buy in-store at your local Best Buy.
True to its name, PCmover relocates all your stuff from one computer to another. (It can also handle in-line upgrades on the same computer, like if you're installing Windows 8 on a system that's currently running XP or Vista.) The promise: wizard-driven migration of programs, data, and settings -- either all of them or just the items you choose.
Because this is the Pro version, it supports a few added perks like multiple drives, multiple user profiles, and the aforementioned in-line upgrades. However, take note that it's good for only one transfer; once you've completed your move, the software is effectively rendered useless.
CNET hasn't reviewed this version of PCmover, so I recommend checking out PC World's review. The key takeaway: It works, though not for every program, and you may need to re-enter some serial numbers after it's done.
You can get your rebate in the form of a check, which will take 10-12 weeks to process, or choose from four Laplink software bundles that range in value from $90-$150.
I know not everybody likes rebates, but if you're looking to minimize the hassles of migrating to a new PC, this lets you get it done for a net cost of zero. Think you'll take advantage?
Bonus deal: While we're on the subject of free-after-rebate, Newegg is offering Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2013 (3-user) for free after a $50 mail-in rebate (PDF). But, wait, there's more: You also get an 8GB Toshiba flash drive. (It's automatically added to your cart when you add the software.) That's a hard deal to pass up on the one of the top-rated security suites.
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