bit-tech.net | Vista available for pre-order in UK

BioSniper 3rd January 2007, 17:58

Well the OEM versions are more on track for the kind of prices most people would be willing to pay. I would still suggest though that they need dropping a few quid.
Scrap "basic" and make premium 50 quid and "ultimate" £99 and I'm sure a fair few more people would buy it.

M4RTIN 3rd January 2007, 17:59

£360 .. thats an insane amount to drop on an os, especially as right now i personally couldnt see any point over xp, except some of my stuff wouldnt work

TomH 3rd January 2007, 18:01

That's a much better price, and definitely more realistic. I could see myself purchasing it at that price.

Still, Ubuntu's free. They can't beat that :)

(Unless my Uni's MSDN-AA site starts offering Vista for download ;))

oasked 3rd January 2007, 18:08

OEM prices are reasonable, but the Retail prices are ridiculous. What is the advantage of the Retail copy?

With XP MS allow you to reactivate the OEM copy quite a few times, even with different hardware.

eddtox 3rd January 2007, 18:10

I agree! The OEM prices are what it should retail at. £360 for an OS is a bit like the RIAA asking for 1.65 Trillion from allofmp3.com. Not going to happen!

-ed out

lamboman 3rd January 2007, 18:15

I found out about Overclockers selling Vista slightly before you guys did :) which is amazing, but also that the prices were low!

samkiller42 3rd January 2007, 18:23

How much was XP when it was released? from what i can remember it was more, but i may be wrong with that

Sam

DLoney 3rd January 2007, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by oasked
OEM prices are reasonable, but the Retail prices are ridiculous. What is the advantage of the Retail copy?

A Bad-ass looking box.
:D

ComputerKing 3rd January 2007, 18:41

Ok I have 1 Q :

the 64-bit Will Work With me !! what the different between 32 / 64 bit !!

If 64-bit Work With me I will Hit Buy

SO Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit Edition DVD Will Work With me !!

Thanks

Buzzons 3rd January 2007, 18:42

what is the diff then between the OEM and the Retail versions?

Flibblebot 3rd January 2007, 18:46

It was nowhere near £360. More like £160 for the full retail version, I think.
It's still a helluva lot of money, especially when compared to what Apple charge for OS X.

Bladestorm 3rd January 2007, 18:51

Didn't they say at some point that the rules on what they considered a legit purchase to get an oem copy of windows with would be changing ? (I can't remember if it was to only complete system builds or what now mind) or am I thinking of something different ?

Edit add : and yeah £80 is a great deal more attractive :) actually might have considered ultimate at £135 .. considering pro at the retail prices would be paying through the nose.

DarkReaper 3rd January 2007, 19:00

64-bit is obviously the way forward but all I can remember is tons of hassle with driver incompatibility - anyone care to enlighten me as to whether this is still the case or do the 64bit OSes get full support?

MrBadidea 3rd January 2007, 19:13

Give me a shout if they actually ship this stuff before anybody else.

I give it 50/50 if they'll actually send anything Vista out before the likes of Dabs.

kempez 3rd January 2007, 19:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flibblebot
It was nowhere near £360. More like £160 for the full retail version, I think.
It's still a helluva lot of money, especially when compared to what Apple charge for OS X.

You mean Retail XP? Costs a fortune tbh, always has

Lazlow 3rd January 2007, 19:13

I was almost opting for the offers circulating the retailers - purchase XP MCE/Home/Pro and receive a voucher - but the OEM prices look even more inviting. £135 isn't bad for the Ultimate edition.

oasked 3rd January 2007, 19:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkReaper
64-bit is obviously the way forward but all I can remember is tons of hassle with driver incompatibility - anyone care to enlighten me as to whether this is still the case or do the 64bit OSes get full support?

Depends who makes your hardware. It was easy to find drivers for all of my hardware, a lot of it was installed by Vista automatically. :)

duc 3rd January 2007, 19:52

If you look on Amazon, the price for Vista Ultimate is £369.99. However, jumping over the pond onto Amazon.com, its $379.99. That's the frustrating bit.

DarkReaper 3rd January 2007, 20:00

Hmm. Will there be any form of region control then, or will any dedicated geek be leaving the US with a brand new OEM copy delivered from newegg?

DXR_13KE 3rd January 2007, 20:47

i think i will wait to buy the OEM version as soon as i get my new PC.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkReaper
Hmm. Will there be any form of region control then, or will any dedicated geek be leaving the US with a brand new OEM copy delivered from newegg?

no region control, but the versions are different. UK English != US English... at least it is what happens to the BR and PT versions of the Portuguese windows.

TomH 3rd January 2007, 21:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by DXR_13KE
i think i will wait to buy the OEM version as soon as i get my new PC.

no region control, but the versions are different. UK English != US English... at least it is what happens to the BR and PT versions of the Portuguese windows.

But there's always support for different language within XP. You can use your locales before and after the XP installation.

If it's not there in Vista, why not buy a US copy? Anytime you need to ring MS, you'll find yourself being asked what your local support number is.

The only thing I can think is that they'll moan and tell you that you should be ringing another number.

But the difference in cost is rediculous -- Microsoft, Dell, et al. seem to think that Brits don't notice when we're being screwed :|

samkiller42 3rd January 2007, 22:18

check this site out, http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/01/03/windows_vista_available_for_pre-order_in_uk/

Found by a freind of mine

Sam

Lazlow 3rd January 2007, 22:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by samkiller42
check this site out, http://www.bit-tech.net/news/2007/01/03/windows_vista_available_for_pre-order_in_uk/

Found by a freind of mine

Sam

It looks vaguely familiar...

Woodstock 3rd January 2007, 22:36

Well, a couple of kiwi sites have been advertising there vista prices for a while now... but theres no OEM pricing, the best available deal appears to be Academic Upgrade (Need student ID), but converted to pounds it works out to be 62 for Premium and 200 for Ultimate. I havent been following the vista stuff, what exactly is the difference between premium and ultimate, other then a fair chunk of cash

<A88> 3rd January 2007, 22:56

OEM prices are spot on if you ask me. We'll be getting the Home Premium for the family PC when it comes out and I'll probably buy it for my lappy when the RC1 runs out. Home Basic really isn't worth getting in comparison.

<A88>

cpemma 3rd January 2007, 23:02

Amazon are taking orders on Home Premium Upgrade at £150 (free delivery) which beats Overclockers (with £9.40 delivery).

I think Vista Upgrade may be the one to go for if you upgrade mobo+processor fairly regularly, though the difference in price over OEM looks far more than the XP UG-OEM differential. :|

NuTech 3rd January 2007, 23:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodstock
I havent been following the vista stuff, what exactly is the difference between premium and ultimate, other then a fair chunk of cash

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/editions/default.mspx

DarkReaper 3rd January 2007, 23:19

Seems to have most features joe user (or even joe poweruser) needs, then. Bet lots of people will still be tempted by the siren call of the black box :p

TomD22 3rd January 2007, 23:20

So, what's the disadvantage of an OEM copy? I assume there must be some catch, if it's that much cheaper.....

Quote:

Originally Posted by Woodstock
the best available deal appears to be Academic Upgrade (Need student ID), but converted to pounds it works out to be 62 for Premium and 200 for Ultimate.

What kind of "student ID"? Like, some special card, or just proof you're a student? (uk)

ỒĊBłůē 3rd January 2007, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarkReaper
Bet lots of people will still be tempted by the siren call of the black box

Hell yeah! - Instead of the lame Arnie'esque Ultimate moniker, perhaps they should've called it Vista Dark Edition or mebbe even Vista Evil Edition, then they could charge even more :D

keir 3rd January 2007, 23:27

I Think im going to go for Windows Vista Home Premium 64 bit OEM
But whats the crack with this retail upgrade edition ?

I feel like a n00b lol.

kenco_uk 4th January 2007, 00:02

Black is the new bloo. MM shekshy. I'll be getting Vista Home Premium for around £12.95 or so (shipping costs, apparently), when I can order the 'free' upgrade from XP MCE (ie when the page takes my card details, which it's having problems doing).

Solidus 4th January 2007, 00:06

So can anyone please explain what you get with the OEM version? Like the difference between it and the retail?
I presume its without the box and stuff but do get the CDKEYS and legal legitimate information to run it ??

Anyone?

Woodstock 4th January 2007, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomD22

What kind of "student ID"? Like, some special card, or just proof you're a student? (uk)

In new zealand (where i live) every college student (high school equivalent) and university (tech as well) students as part of their school fees get a photo ID card, which gets all sorts of stuff at cheaper rates, software, movie tickets, hell even bungy jumping lol.

cpemma 4th January 2007, 00:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomD22
So, what's the disadvantage of an OEM copy? I assume there must be some catch, if it's that much cheaper...

Under the EULA you can't transfer the OEM OS to a different system. A Retail Upgrade you can, but you need an old copy of XP (to upgrade from).

With OEM you're limited in the number of changes you can make in your hardware. Minor changes, like new graphics cards, extra memory, replacing hard drives, no problem; it's really that a certain number of system parts that were there when you first activated have to be still present after the upgrade.

http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php for more. Refers to XP, AFAIK Vista rules will be similar.

Woodstock 4th January 2007, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpemma
Under the EULA you can't transfer the OEM OS to a different system. A Retail Upgrade you can, but you need an old copy of XP (to upgrade from).

With OEM you're limited in the number of changes you can make in your hardware. Minor changes, like new graphics cards, extra memory, replacing hard drives, no problem; it's really that a certain number of system parts that were there when you first activated have to be still present after the upgrade.

http://aumha.org/win5/a/wpa.php for more. Refers to XP, AFAIK Vista rules will be similar.

lol everything in my machine with xp oem, has been changed at least once, all i hade to do was activate it again

XUntitled 4th January 2007, 01:19

The difference between retail and OEM is that OEM 'lives and dies' with the PC it is installed on. A new PC is defined as a computer with a new motherboard. So, if you upgrade your motherboard, you have a new computer (per MS).

This has been the rule with all consumer versions of Windows. I expect Vista to truly enforce this, considering the way its activated (of course you'll probably be able to get 2 or 3 installs in before it dies).

MS Info
Another Link

Solidus 4th January 2007, 03:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by XUntitled
The difference between retail and OEM is that OEM 'lives and dies' with the PC it is installed on. A new PC is defined as a computer with a new motherboard. So, if you upgrade your motherboard, you have a new computer (per MS).

This has been the rule with all consumer versions of Windows. I expect Vista to truly enforce this, considering the way its activated (of course you'll probably be able to get 2 or 3 installs in before it dies).

MS Info
Another Link

So say i use up my 2-3 installs, is there anyway to reactivate them?

Veles 4th January 2007, 07:21

That black box does look rather awesome.

I'm getting really annoyed with this whole activation crap windows has now got, it's a royal pain in the ass for the people who buy it legitimately, the people who pirate it usually have an easier time dealing with it as well, since all they really need is a crack. As with every crappy system like this, theres always a way around it, which begs the question, why even bother wasting money on it in the first place? All it does is make the user experience more awkward.

duc 4th January 2007, 07:31

With the OEM version of Vista you are only permitted to transfer the licence to another 'computer' twice. Changing/upgrading motherboard, gpu, cpu, memory, HDD may trigger Vista's activation to recognise the new hardware as a new 'computer'.

Only with Retail boxed version are you allowed unlimited changes to the hardware without the product key being locked.

Virtualisation is not available on the Home editions.

samkiller42 4th January 2007, 08:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lazlow
It looks vaguely familiar...

woops. hum, small problem there, ile go hunt that other link that was suposed to end up in there

Sam

Here is a different link, http://www.anglianinternet.co.uk/acatalog/Online_Catalogue_Software_49.html

Vista Ultimate at £85

DougEdey 4th January 2007, 08:44

I think thats a price confusion, grab it if you want, but it does just look like they are in the wrong order.

Lazlow 4th January 2007, 09:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by DougEdey
I think thats a price confusion, grab it if you want, but it does just look like they are in the wrong order.

It looks like they've missed out a 1 - being £185. But for £94.99 inc. delivery I had to put in an order! Their terms and conditions state:

Quote:

Originally Posted by t&c's
3.2. The price payable by the Customer will be the price current at the date of the order.

Buzzons 4th January 2007, 09:51

just to say. some places are chopping the price of XP Pro/home (OEM/retail etc) but also bundling the vista upgrade license in it too -- so you get it at the cost of the cut down XP :) -- i think scan.co.uk are doing it as well as a few other places.

keir 4th January 2007, 11:09

anyone ordered anything?
I don't know if it's going to be worth it if you can only install it a few times.

DougEdey 4th January 2007, 11:21

I have Business already, no need for ultimate as I don't PC game much due to shite comp specs!

Lazlow 4th January 2007, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by keir
anyone ordered anything?

I've ordered the mis-print £85.00 Ultimate OEM. Whether or not they'll honour the advertised price is another question... I only have the one PC which I want to use Vista on, so the OEM version should suffice. The other PCs will still run XP/Server 2003/or linux.

ComputerKing 4th January 2007, 12:48

Hello !! 3 pages and no one answer my Q !!!
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showpost.php?p=1396186&postcount=10

You Guys Disspoint me !!! Thanks for nothing !! CK

ỒĊBłůē 4th January 2007, 12:55

Don't get too excited, because also in the T&Cs -

Quote:

Originally Posted by t&C's
3.6. Errors and omissions are excepted.

splashtech 4th January 2007, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computerking
Hello !! 3 pages and no one answer my Q !!!
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showpost.php?p=1396186&postcount=10

You Guys Disspoint me !!! Thanks for nothing !! CK

Not sure what you're asking there. If you're asking whether the 64bit version will work for you or not, how are we supposed to answer that without knowing what you'd want to run it on.

keir 4th January 2007, 13:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computerking
Hello !! 3 pages and no one answer my Q !!!
http://forums.bit-tech.net/showpost.php?p=1396186&postcount=10

You Guys Disspoint me !!! Thanks for nothing !! CK

Well if you have a 64bit CPU get the 64bit vista

keir 4th January 2007, 13:16

Think I'm gonna go for this £85 ultimate version :)

ComputerKing 4th January 2007, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by splashtech
Not sure what you're asking there. If you're asking whether the 64bit version will work for you or not, how are we supposed to answer that without knowing what you'd want to run it on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by keir
Well if you have a 64bit CPU get the 64bit vista

ok Guys I mean 64-bit will run with me !!

He siad if I have 64-bit cpu !! how I know !! I have 6600 !!

Thanks

M4RTIN 4th January 2007, 13:43

;)

http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledrv5.jpg

its always best you find out what you are buying before getting it.

ComputerKing 4th January 2007, 14:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by M4RTIN
;)

http://img406.imageshack.us/my.php?image=untitledrv5.jpg

its always best you find out what you are buying before getting it.

OMG . MAN THANKS you always help me really , Thank you , Thank you !

I bought This CPU because King of Overclock Friend Told me Hit it with your eyes closed !! SO I bought it and I don't know any thing only 4mb cash and 2.4 and dual core now I add 64bit :D

mm I think I Will Get Vista Unlimit 64-bit DVD , Thanks . CK

cpemma 4th January 2007, 14:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computerking
I bought This CPU because King of Overclock Friend Told me Hit it with your eyes closed !! SO I bought it and I don't know any thing only 4mb cash and 2.4 and dual core now I add 64bit :D

Maybe you need a more modest username... ;)

Quote:

Originally Posted by duc
With the OEM version of Vista you are only permitted to transfer the licence to another 'computer' twice...

Do you have evidence for that? Sounds like the original MS proposal for the retail versions, withdrawn after much protest.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ars
Microsoft has clarified the (Retail) licenses with regards to re-installation. "You may uninstall the software and install it on another device for your use. You may not do so to share this license between devices," the license reads.

Additionally, Microsoft clarified transfer rights to other users. You can transfer your license of Windows Vista to another user provided that you uninstall the original copy and do not keep any of the materials from the original installation.

OEM licenses still different
It bears repeating, however, the the OEM license that comes with Vista is indeed similar to the Windows XP OEM license in that it forbids any kind of transfer. As we have previously reported, users have nevertheless had success transferring those copies of Windows, but they are technically stepping outside of the bounds of the EULA when doing so.

ComputerKing 4th January 2007, 14:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpemma
Maybe you need a more modest username... ;)

lol man Im the KING :D

Enak 4th January 2007, 15:23

There are two types of OEM licence, the system builders licence and the end user licence.

When an OEM is purchased the person installing the copy (IBM, dell, HP, small computer stores) must be a System Builder. They are required to install and support the software. Once installed, the software must ONLY be sold with a new or refurbished PC. It is an older licence agreement that said you can purchase an OEM with essential hardware.
If you are buying an OEM copy from a store like Overclockers, then they must be selling you the system builders licence pack and thus passing the system builders licence on to yourselves. You are accepting this licence when you open the box. You are therefore agreeing that you are a) a registered microsoft system builder b) supporting the system you are installing on.

Key Points:
An OEM licence MUST NOT be transfered to another system, even if you completely uninstall the software.
The OEM licence sticker MUST be attached to the case of the system.
OEM software cannot be used to UPGRADE an older operating system.
OEM software is designed for system builders building new computers and end users building their own systems.

More licence information here: http://oem.microsoft.com/downloads/licensing/august/zoomin.html

duc 4th January 2007, 16:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpemma
Do you have evidence for that? Sounds like the original MS proposal for the retail versions, withdrawn after much protest.

Excuse me got that wrong. The OEM version can only be transferred once!
ITPro

ỒĊBłůē 4th January 2007, 16:51

Anglian Internet are now listing the 64-bit OEM Ultimate upgrade for £135 inc.

Has anyone that ordered at the lower price had anything back from them?

Mother-Goose 4th January 2007, 16:57

And if you rebuild then tough tits basically?

ComputerKing 4th January 2007, 17:05

I Done Oreder the 64-bit OEM Ultimate ;) I will Rock With it :D

Enak 4th January 2007, 17:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by ỒĊBłůē
Anglian Internet are now listing the 64-bit OEM Ultimate upgrade for £135 inc.

It's not an upgrade...

ỒĊBłůē 4th January 2007, 17:40

Oops! My bad

Lazlow 4th January 2007, 17:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ỒĊBłůē
Anglian Internet are now listing the 64-bit OEM Ultimate upgrade for £135 inc.

Has anyone that ordered at the lower price had anything back from them?

I guess they realised once they had many orders in @ £85. I've not heard back from them, but I presume they'll contact me and say it was an error - issuing a refund at the same time.

lamboman 4th January 2007, 19:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computerking
Ok I have 1 Q :

the 64-bit Will Work With me !! what the different between 32 / 64 bit !!

If 64-bit Work With me I will Hit Buy

SO Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit Edition DVD Will Work With me !!

Thanks

64BIT means that your CPU, if it is a 64bit part, can use double the bandwidth over 32 bit CPU's, thus doing more. But it currently doesn't do anything, infact it often slows down games a bit (like 0.2 fps :) but we should see better performance with Vista. Compatibility is also an issue. :D

yodasarmpit 4th January 2007, 20:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Computerking
I Done Oreder the 64-bit OEM Ultimate ;) I will Rock With it :D

yes you will :)

Solidus 4th January 2007, 21:07

im really beginning to consider installing a cracked vista, its so much easier and atleast i can install it numerous times =/

This whole issue of limited installs on your computer - WTF . I bought the OS, id like to do what i want with it and i mean contiously re-installing it too if i see fit. Say i need to reformat? christ.
Id actually buy a copy of vista legitamately if this whole thing about limited installs wasnt such a big problem...not anymore

Woodstock 4th January 2007, 21:12

the funny thing ive found with this thread, is that linux is sounding even more tempting, go figure

will. 4th January 2007, 21:51

I thought they decided not to limit the number of times it could be installed.... I'm sure I read that someplace.

leexgx 4th January 2007, 22:07

don`t see how overclockers is going to even sell Vista for £365, do i get an free PC with it?

any one buying vista would not pay for retail

the useing the OEM key on an other pc not sure how thay stop that works fine doing it on XP

eddtox 5th January 2007, 00:05

Hmmm.. interesting marketing strategy from Microsoft... I personally dont understand how making a product incredibly expensive and more difficult to use than it's pirated version is going to stop piracy...

-ed out

cpemma 5th January 2007, 00:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solidus
This whole issue of limited installs on your computer - WTF . I bought the OS, id like to do what i want with it and i mean contiously re-installing it too if i see fit. Say i need to reformat? christ.
Id actually buy a copy of vista legitamately if this whole thing about limited installs wasnt such a big problem...not anymore

WTF are you talking about? Vista Retail, Upgrade or Full, can be re-installed as many times as you like, on as many machines as you want, by full permission of Microsoft. The only limitation is only one install active at a time.

Vista OEM has limitations (though re-formatting certainly isn't one of them) but it's half the price. Your money, your choice.

Solidus 5th January 2007, 00:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpemma
WTF are you talking about? Vista Retail, Upgrade or Full, can be re-installed as many times as you like, on as many machines as you want, by full permission of Microsoft. The only limitation is only one install active at a time.

Vista OEM has limitations (though re-formatting certainly isn't one of them) but it's half the price. Your money, your choice.

Ah well, i had asked the question as to what exactly this install thing was numerous times but not one single person could explain it to me clearly so i just presumed the whole fuss was over limited installations on them all.

Well i may just buy the retail then =/

samkiller42 5th January 2007, 00:29

I received Vista Business edition this morning from my college network administrator, MSDNAA is very helpfull, especially as i can order them all as there seperate codes and programs, and i can get the others when they get released later this month :D This means i pay £0 unless i buy a DVD from my network admin.

Sam

Oh, second edit: heh, i was told about the activation stuff for vista, and well, let me explain it to you so it might help, for me, i have to activate it every 3 months or so, if it detects piracy material then the activation will fail and vista will lock out all valuable information on the hard drive, even to the administrator

keir 5th January 2007, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ỒĊBłůē
Anglian Internet are now listing the 64-bit OEM Ultimate upgrade for £135 inc.

Has anyone that ordered at the lower price had anything back from them?

oh noes!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anglian Internet

Dear keir hodgson,

We have had an error on our website, Vista Ulimate at £85 is incorrect it should be £135 inc vat plus postage and packing. Sorry for any inconvienence caused, please let me know if you still wish to conitue with this order. No money will be taken untill the stock arrives.

ỒĊBłůē 5th January 2007, 09:40

^ Damn! But I wonder how many of those e-mails they had to send out :)

I think the days of accidental low prices are pretty much gone.

kylelnsn 5th January 2007, 10:10

i jsut looked and seen they have changed it to 135 unlucky, man 85 that would ve good, :( shame really!

Vista available for pre-order in UK

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