----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg Sevart" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "The Hardware List" <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, October 07, 2006 7:44 PM Subject: Re: [H] MS gets serious about activation
It was just an example. MS appears to be planning availability of retail upgrade versions for each variation of Vista, including Ultimate.
Naturally Microsoft wants to sell 2 operating systems for as many computers as possible. They only get paid decently on OEM versions if a small OEM buys it. To make big bucks on a Dell Microsoft has to sell an upgrade to the OEM operating system they practically gave to Dell. I anticipate the OEM version of Vista that is most widely adopted for new computers will cost us small OEM's $180.00 compared to $90.00 for XP Home OEM, and Dell, practically nothing.
Your comments were about Microsoft doing those desiring an upgrade a "favor" as in service, as in a bull servicing a cow. Example:
My example assumes everyone plays by the rules, the EULA or whatever you call the greasless screw.
I, a member of the Microsoft OEM System Builder Program, sold a new computer with Windows XP Home OEM installed. In 30 days my customer decides he wants Windows XP Professional. My OEM version of Windows XP Professional costs $150.00. Can't do that as it is an already existing computer which has had its "DNA" sent to Microsoft when Windows XP Home OEM was authenticated on it. The only version of XP Professional this 30 day old computer qualifies for is the Upgrade Version. No problem. It costs $180.00. So my customer goes to the store and spends $180.00 for the Upgrade version. Since I was outraged about this royal screwing, I called Microsoft to confirm that I was reading the rules correctly and Microsoft confirmed that I was correct. I argued with Microsoft for a few minutes as they repeated, "Only the retail version of Windows XP Professional Upgrade version can be legally installed on this existing computer."
Case closed. Customer has spent $270.00 on Windows in 30 days. Is this rigged or what?? So, as you said, "MS appears to be planning availability of retail upgrade versions for each variation of Vista, including Ultimate." I am sure they are! $$$$$$$$$$$$
Chuck
