windows vista x64, OEM... cheap!

computerbuyer101 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:14 PM

i have bought a computer and i have yet to get an operating system...

i play a lot of games, but i cannot afford a directx10 card yet, maybe in about 2 years, or less...

i have heard and seen that vista looks cool, but i was wondering whether to get it?

now, i have seen vista in a OEM kit, and it is only £55... why so cheap?:
ebuyer.com - Software » System Builder Software (OEM) » Operating Systems » Product details

it is x64, which i think is good, yet here is the XP OS i have seen:
ebuyer.com - Software » System Builder Software (OEM) » Operating Systems » Product details

they are both for 1 PC, and the XP is more expensive.
i was also looking through, and i found vista and xp in retail edition, but they are 2x as expensive. any advise would be helpful, and also, my computer is powerful enough to support vista...

thanks

**Ash** · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:23 PM

One of the reasons that it's so cheap is that it's likely they're having trouble shifting the stock [not to mention Microsoft is charging us around £100 for Vista, and the Americans get the same version for $100 - where's the fairness in that? They're probably selling the American / international version].

The reason is because Vista x64 currently does not support nearly as much hardware as the 32bit version - Microsoft plan on phasing out 32bit, and to increase security, any driver released on the 64bit platform needs to be approved by Microsoft - this is not the case with the 32bit version, which is really just there to provide people with the Vista experience while manufacturers sort out 64bit drivers for their devices. In fact, I think that the retail version of Vista ships with 2 disks, and if your computer comes bundled with Vista 32bit, you can get a free copy of the 64bit version.

computerbuyer101 · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:37 PM

what about this then?

ebuyer.com - Software » System Builder Software (OEM) » Operating Systems » Product details

it is the x32 bit version, for basically the same price, how come...?

the thing is, because it is so cheap, how come they sell the retail version, won't everyone just go for the OEM?

thanks...

**Ash** · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:40 PM

With OEM software, you don't get the fancy packaging and support from Microsoft. When you buy retail, you do.

computerbuyer101 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:46 PM

so for me, a system builder, it is probably better to get the OEM package, mostly because i don't have enough money...

thanks, and i think that i shall go for the windows VISTA.

thanks,
just one concern, can vista play games that state they need a XP system? games like dark messiah, oblivion, half-life 2?

thanks

**Ash** · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 08:51 PM

Compatibility with these games is not guaranteed. Quite honestly, I do not recommended Vista right now - get XP for now, and then get it when the first service pack has been released and the price has dropped considerably. I think that Vista is over-rated and will be frustrating for anyone who knows quite a bit about computers who often changes settings and installs programs.

computerbuyer101 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 09:33 PM

ok then, i shall go for the XP that i said, and it is only about £60.

i know someone who downloaded XP illegally, and it worked for them!!!

**Ash** · #8 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 09:36 PM

Well as you know we can't discuss illegal things here, but I've heard reports that XP is easy to crack. As Microsoft pushes forward Vista, I doubt they will be doing too much about piracy in the future.

computerbuyer101 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 08:52 PM

he he, yea too true, anyway, i think that i shall go for the XP, purely for the fact that it can play my games...

thanks ash.

**Ash** · #10 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 08:57 PM

No problem, we're here to help

You may find your OEM copy of XP comes with a voucher to claim a free copy of Vista "for your customer" anyway [most likely on XP Pro and MCE]

**Rpingel** · #11 (**permalink**) 02-23-2007, 05:14 PM

if you plan on running sli you will not be able to right away i tried vista for awhile and i don't like it it has many many many bugs. I had xp pro 32 then i went to vista and then now i'm at xp pro x64 edition which is a little buggy some where between vista and xp 32 bit it's been a fun week.I also got an upgrade to vista business so if anyone want's it let me know

computerbuyer101 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 07:31 PM

yea true. thanks, and i am going to go for the XP x32 bit, as it has an upgrade coupon to VISTA Premium, and it only costs £8.00 for p+p

thanks

**Ash** · #13 (**permalink**) 02-26-2007, 07:59 PM

Just remember - only XP Pro and Media Center Editon come with the coupon [also see if the box / packaging mentions it - open it in front of the store manager if you buy it in a retail store]

computerbuyer101 · #14 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 04:28 PM

yea, thanks, plus, if it doesn't come with an upgrade coupon, then i can just end it back, no questions asked.

thanks for the warning though

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