Take a look at the table — that’s not chump change. Newegg is also taking a further $US5-$15 off some prices for pre-orders before October 20.
The main two caveats: OEM product keys aren’t transferable from one PC to another, and you’ll need to install them on a formatted machine (usually the best way, anyway). Less of a concern is that you don’t get any support or packaging; just the disc. Still sounds like a bargain to me. [Newegg via ComputerWorld via ArsTechnica]
Windows 7 Home Premium Professional Ultimate OEM $US110 $US140 $US190 Retail Upgrade $US120 $US200 $US220 Full Retail $US200 $US300 $US320 Full OEM (3 Pack) $US310 N/A $US550
RICHARD
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 5:22 PMBut what us in Oz, where can we get a copy?
I tried to but an OEM version of vista when it came out but was told i could only get one with a new computer, not standalone
Batiu-Drami
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 5:57 PMPlenty of places will sell you the OEM versions of Windows. You need to look for those little computer shops, rather than chain stores. I got mine from Austin Computers (austin.net.au), but since they’re WA-only I would assume that MSY (msy.com.au) will sell them.
Don’t be fooled by MSY’s shitty website design, they’re an excellent business who sell stuff as cheap as you’ll find it anywhere.
Ackriff
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 12:35 AMAgreed with the commentator above. MSY is quite a good store to purchase from even though their website looks dogie.
Marty
Monday, April 30, 2012 at 10:50 AMI would agree they have good prices, but these alone do not make an “excellent business.”
Steve
Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 9:06 AMOften it only takes building a relashionship with your prefered IT store. I purchase OEM OS discs from my store all the time, but they know I am forever building computers out of the old or unused equipment I get from work and the new items I buy through them. As long as you are buying it for a new computer, there isn’t an issue, you just need to make sure the store you are buying from is comfortable with that fact, as they risk a fine by simply selling OEM like retail.
Devz
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:31 PMOEM products technically (unless MS’s licensing has changed) requires the purchase of a system reliant component of some sorts (new computer requirement).
To get around this, we would sell many a power cable or dodgy mouse. +$5 would qualify, as per the license.
Tj
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 8:42 PMI tried buying vista oem 3months and 1 day after buying a brand new pc at Msy and the staff very rudely told me to get lost, i don’t shop there anymore was told 3 months was the limit…
Bennish
Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 9:21 PMI’ve never bought windows retail, i’ve always got it from ebay, oem. I don’t understand why so few people do it.
Everyone whinges so much about oem not being transferrable. Guess what you do? You pick up the phone, call the number windows tells you, and write down the number read out to you on the phone.
Are we really that lazy these days that this is a dealbreaker?