Thanks!

Check you downloadable section in stardock, I got the key there before the email.

This is a low importance question, but when the full game is released, will it be downloaded separately, or will the beta client just get updated to the release version?

Also what's up with using steam rather than Impulse? 

I'd prefer to use Impulse. And I'm -still- waiting on my email to get into the beta. Haven't even gotten my product code in my account yet.

Regarding the change-over from Impulse to Steam; if one's original copies of Sins of a Solar Empire and the following micro-expansions, Entrenchment and Diplomacy, are on Impulse, how does that tie in with Rebellion being released on Steam? 

Before anyone starts telling me that someone already asked this, yes I realize that. The question wasn't answered; I am aware that Rebellion is a stand-alone expansion, however, stand-alone expansions typically only give you access to the content of said expansion. So, to say it in different terms, does one gain access to the content of Entrenchment and Diplomacy with their purchase of Rebellion, or is there a way to transfer one's Impulse copies to the Steam network? Because otherwise, that's saying we essentially need to purchase a second copy of the game plus micro-expansions, if we wish to enjoy the full game's experience.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post! No smart-alick responses please, I'm not posting this so I can get flamed or trolled by someone who thinks they're smarter than me. I'd just like a clarification of whether I can still build star bases and make diplomacy pacts etc. without purchasing second copies of the previous content. Sorry for the rant. Cheers 

when you purchase/preorder rebellion over at Stardock.com you will then be prompted to sign into steam, +Add a game down on the lower left corner of the steam interface, and 'activate a product on steam' using the Steam code Stardock.com provides post checkout.  From there, when you launch the rebellion demo via steam, it will prompt you to enter your Stardock acct email and password.  This here is where the bridge is between prior Impulse purchases and the new Steam interface.  But in terms of playability, as you know rebellion is a standalone game integrated with steamworks and the content of the previous releases as kryo mentioned above.  Your serial numbers for, say, your trinity pack, will be what you registered with back then and are not compatible with steam's serials.  A launch through impulse or a steam's 'non-steam game' launch will be required to play Trinity, or any individual expansions you may have acquired.

Sorry for the long winded answer but I hope i cleared it up without confusing.

this is true though, I forgot about the ability to launch it without your client open.

Please contact support@stardock.com.

If it's not listed in your account then the charge may have failed (expired card, etc). Contact sales@stardock.com and they should be able to figure out what happened if you weren't notified.

Did I read correctly that Rebellion won't run on Win 8 CP? Because the spinning activation circle is doing the same thing on my Windows 7 laptop as it's doing on my Win 8 desktop. I did send an email to support.

if i pre order this week can i still get into the beta?

On Impulse, when starting SoaSE:Trinity, I could just run the game from the desktop icon without starting Impulse. Or I could start Impulse, check for updates and run my game from there.

Question 1) With my other games that are on Steam, even if I use the desktop Icon, Steam starts. Will Rebellion also ALWAYS start Steam or can I still run it "independantly"?

Question 2) Will you be able to play the game WITHOUT being forced to update? I remember Shogun, even after disabling all updates on every settings page available, it would force me to update. I just wanted to play a game solo yet had to wait for 2GB patches.

Question 3) When I pre-ordered the game, there was no mention of Steam. I hate Steam. Rebellion is on Steam. If I can't run the game "independantly" or LAN with ease or disable updates, I no longer want the game. Will Stardock cancel my pre-order and refund my moneys?

I loved SoaSE Trinity with Impulse and want Rebellion, but not at the cost of selling my soul to Steam again (I just got it back  )

**Edit**

Do not get me wrong - if I can run the game without Steam intruding/ruining the game like it has done for so many others I will play it even in Steam.

Thanks kryo. Got a message from lilB as well stating that "site states steamworks" and "the returns policy" etc.

Anycase, Steamworks it is, I wil have to live with it, even if downloading 500Mb takes a whole week. But does this mean "traditional LAN" functionality is gone? Where we play the game (my house) the physical broadband lines were stolen (South Africa rules  ), so connecting to Steam to play a LAN game is not an option.