I purchased the digital imperial pre-order and tried to log in after the weekend even ended but couldn't. I'm a little disappointed.

Does only the collectors edition get you full beta access?

It does not guarantee you beta.

No, you have to make an beta account as well. They will send you an key when you are invited. You don't have to buy the game for beta access.

the beta is like a controlled open beta right now. if you played this weekend you can fully expect to play during all beta weekends. no edition of the game comes with extended beta testing

Ok thanks. somebody had told me they had full beta access, not just weekends. maybe they were lying :/ I figured pre order would upgrade my beta weekend access to what they said existed.

There are only beta weekends, unless he works for ZOS and gets to play all the time.