Hi Joseph:
Thank you for your reply.
I have a couple of questions on  the OEM operating system though.
1. Is the OEM OS recognized by Microsoft (is it legal)?
2. Can the OEM OS be updated (can Service Pack 1 be installed)?
3. Is the OEM CD the same as the retail CD?
4. Is the manual supplied with the OEM OS as complete as the retail version?
Thanks again
Jim Markellos

----- Original Message -----
From: "joseph marty" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 9:54 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Price of Windows XP


> Aside from having to be on hold forever on your phone dime to get the
almost non-existent MS support for a full retail version, what is the point
in not saving major bucks by getting an OEM?  You can get an OEM of XP pro
for $139 with free shipping at www.bigclearance.com or
www.cheapsoftware.com, among others.  I have used bigclearance to get Win 2K
Pro and Win XP pro.  I have never used MS tech support because I could not
stand being on hold at some ridiculous cost so that MS would not have to pay
for 800 calls.  Their tech support is very bad anyway.  Buy a copy of Roxio
Goback deluxe online and you'll never need MS support.
>
> >I just put together a computer. I'm now intending to buy a Widows XP Pro
Operating System, full version in a retail box, not an OEM. Checking
Pricegrabbers and Nextag for price comparison, I was amazed at the
differences in price. For the same OS, the prices range from $199.00 to
$299.00. I would like to get one in the $200.00 range.
> > However, I don't understand this great price difference.
> > There are sellers on the low end and high end that have good ratings.
I'm assuming that these ratings are legitimate.
> >The reason for this e-mail is that maybe someone could clue me in if
there is something that I do not know about.
>
>
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