Hi there
IMO it IS a rip off since Pro only allows a few minimal features that you might never use :
1) can run XP mode -- IMO there are better ways to run XP Virtual machines on ANY version of Windows - but there you are.
2) Can change the display language ONCE - you can't change it back again !! -- NOTE YOU CAN'T INSTALL LANGUGE PACKS however
3) Machine can be controlled and accessed remotely via RDP.
There might be some others but these are the only ones and the extra 90 USD for the package IMO isn't worth it.
If I was going the upgrade route I'd switch to Ultimate -- in my case I NEED the language packs for installing and testing in a few different Languages plus some other security bits and pieces.
Things like Home networking / backing up to a network etc you can do easily enough on ANY version of Windows if you want to so those features are relatively pointless to spend EXTRA money on.
Working in a language of your choice AND being able to remotely access the machine are the features I need otherwise I would have stayed with Home premium.
Compare Windows - Microsoft Windows
Cheers
jimbo