Where to buy XP PRO

[Motek]

Hello.
I am wondering where is the cheapest place to buy Windows XP Professional from if you are living in the UK.
I found one link: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Genuine-Sealed-Wi...8QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(Does it make a difference if I buy OEM version?)
I know that OEM is usually the programs pre-installed on PCs when you buy them. But what's the difference performance and content wise? why spend more to buy full version?

One other question, is it worth to buy it? or should I just buy Vista instead?
But Vista does not allow to run all programs and it will be too buggy right now I presume.

 

[Skeeedunt]

OEM has a different license than Retail. OEM is tied to the motherboard you install it on, while the Retail EULA allows you to uninstall it from one computer and move it to another.

Vista is pretty good if it supports what you need, but it's not quite there for everyone yet. If you have a newer PC I'd seriously consider Vista though, just read up on it some first and make sure it's compatible with your hardware/software.

Head over to the OS forum and you can read about a million threads on either of these subjects.

 

[Ken90630]

There's no difference whatsoever performance-wise or content-wise. 🙂

The only thing I'd add to what Skeeedunt said is that if you ever want/need tech support from Microsoft, you can get it if you've bought the retail version. If you buy OEM, however, you're on your own and Microsoft will tell you to go pound sand if you call them. So if you buy OEM and need help/support, you post your questions here like the rest of us! 😀

Re Vista, if you're going to get it, make sure all your hardware and other software is compatible or has Vista drivers available. This includes your mobo chipset, vid and sound cards, printer(s), digicam(s), etc. There are a number of products that don't have Vista drivers yet, and a lot of software companies are transitioning to Vista-compatible versions as we speak. And if you use QuickBooks by any chance, get ready to buy the new 2007 version because Intuit will not give you a free upgrade to Version 2007 even if you can show proof of ownership of Version 2006 (Version 2006 is not Vista compatible). In short, make sure everything you wanna use is compatible, 'cuz a lot of people are getting unpleasant surprises right now.

I'm no Vista expert, that's for sure, but what I've seen of it so far, I like it. Good luck. 🙂

 

[Motek]

So it is a good price then? (in the ebay link)

 

[John]

$120 USD (shipped) is a good price for sealed XP Pro OEM. For reference Newegg sells it for $140 shipped.

 

[Motek]

Originally posted by: John
$120 USD (shipped) is a good price for sealed XP Pro OEM. For reference Newegg sells it for $140 shipped.

Ok thanks a lot.

One more thing... will I be able to buy an upgrade version (rather than full one) of Vista with this in hand?

 

[Ken90630]

Originally posted by: Motek

Originally posted by: John
$120 USD (shipped) is a good price for sealed XP Pro OEM. For reference Newegg sells it for $140 shipped.

Ok thanks a lot.

One more thing... will I be able to buy an upgrade version (rather than full one) of Vista with this in hand?

Yes. 🙂

 

[Motek]

Alright sweet.

Now I am considering to buy vista as well though... Do I buy 64bit or 32bit?
But I am just worried that all the programs I use wont work on vista.
My computer is pretty new so it should be able to handle Vista.

 

[cubby1223]

Does Vista upgrade allow from OEM? I know there was that trick to install Vista without a key (trial) then use that to "upgrade" to the upgrade version of Vista.

But either way, the OEM versions of Vista are cheaper than the upgrade versions, so does it matter?

And generally, it's not a good idea to go bargain hunting to find the absolute lowest price of Windows XP. You can easily come across non-genuine or unlicensed versions, which are basically worthless.

 

[Shawn]

Originally posted by: John
$120 USD (shipped) is a good price for sealed XP Pro OEM. For reference Newegg sells it for $140 shipped.

What a rip, considering you can get Vista Home Premium for the same price. They should cut the price of XP now that Vista is out.

 

[Motek]

Originally posted by: cubby1223
Does Vista upgrade allow from OEM? I know there was that trick to install Vista without a key (trial) then use that to "upgrade" to the upgrade version of Vista.

But either way, the OEM versions of Vista are cheaper than the upgrade versions, so does it matter?

And generally, it's not a good idea to go bargain hunting to find the absolute lowest price of Windows XP. You can easily come across non-genuine or unlicensed versions, which are basically worthless.

Yes but if they weren't genuine, or it was installed on another machine, you would know because you would not be able to activate/validate (or whatever) windows xp.
Right?