Windows Vista Ultimate for $200

Have you been jonesing for the top-tier version of Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista Ultimate, but not willing to part with $400 of your hard-earned cash? Does spending half that amount make taking the plunge more palatable? If you can do without the fancy packaging and user manuals, consider instead Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 32-bit for System Builders, selling for $200 at Amazon.com, Newegg.com, and other e-tailors. The license agreement for this particular version states it is meant specifically for "system builders." Paragraph one of the license agreement provides several definitions of who a system builder is, including, "an installer of software on computer systems." I'm not an attorney, but wouldn't the very act of installing the operating system meet that criteria? Heck, installing just Acrobat Reader or Firefox might meet that criteria! Now you have no excuse...other than the fact that $200 is still a lot to pay for an operating system.

[nachoha]

OEM Version

The problem wth this version is that you can not replace the motherboard. If you replace your motherboard after installing a Vista OEM version you have to buy a new license

[jthomasb]

No Tech support from Microsoft in OEM version

I have upgraded my PC using this OEM route. It is true that you can get the software from select sources, but it should be known that the other versions of Vista are less than $200 for Ultimate. I believe Business Premium was $149.

What you forego, is tech support and the ability to install the version more than once. Windows makes an "Inventory" of what peripherals and devices your computer has, and then uses that to create a unique value. I believe this value with your license key is then used to register your machine back to Microsoft. Obviously if you make enough changes, then the variance would be great enough to cause a value created from a new install to not resemble the original value that was registered...

For some, the lack of technical support is a worthwhile caveat. Others may want the relief (frustration?) that Microsoft tech support allows them.

The reason that the license agreement says "for system builders only" is that the system builder is now responsible for all tech support on the installed system (like Dell would be).

I do believe you can purchase the Microsoft Live "One Care" program if you did choose that you wanted it later...

[Arcaynn]

Too Expensive

Oh, yes. $200 is really damn expensive for the most useful operating system yet, and a full version at that.

Not everyone feels like using so-called "free" software that has no support in the real world.

[mrobinsonjr]

What is the differance?

What is the differance between the "system builder" verson VS. the one in the fancy package??? Does this mean i could upgrade to a larger hard drive??

[synerg38]

Just make friends w/an employee

Vista Ultimate $45
Office 2007 Ultimate $50

[nakarmia]

Make Friends W/ Employee or Goto College :D

University of Texas, austin.. Windows Vista Ultimate 25$ ~ 30$
(for students and faculty)

even super pirates will start getting genuine

[anton.vanwamelen]

only for that? Microsoft PC's compleet

If and if, a complete package was offred like for the MAC (Apple), then the prices could named fair...
we mean: the OS (vista), complete Office (2007), so that people could work with it and ran an office right-a-way.
maybe it's time for Microsoft to sell PC's under their own brand complete with software like Apple does.