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Where can I get a cheap copy of Windows Vista?
- Thread starter iConnor
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How cheap? Electronics stores sell them for retail prices, but maybe you could try craigslist or ebay?
That crap you see in Best Buy and whatnot are the retail version of Vista (the stupidly insane $399 stuff). OEM versions are WAY cheaper. It's called the System Builder pack. It's just the Vista DVD. That's it. No manual, no packaging (save a cheap DVD sleeve), and I don't think it even comes with support, but it is 100% legit.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488 - $99 or
http://microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0294708 - $80
Or check out http://www.hardforum.com/index.php if you have any doubts.
So I just need to buy a System Builder pack and Im good to go?
Is this one a good one for the New MacBook?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116490
Is this one a good one for the New MacBook?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116490
Yep. It's a legit copy of Vista, it just doesn't come with all the fancy packaging and manuals/support/etc, in turn making it way cheaper.
probably not the best place to ask...macrumore.com. try a pro-PC community website. (i'm kind of kidding)
The packaging doesn't make it cheaper (you think they add 100+ bucks worth of packaging?)
The licensing is what makes Retail more expensive. There's only one difference. OEM is non-transferable, retail is.
Basically yes. The main difference is that with a full retail license, any support is done by Microsoft. With a system builder pack / OEM license, any support is done by the system builder. In other words, by yourself. In other words, if you have any problems, you are on your own.
Also, you might want to look at Windows XP instead. Especially if you don't want to waste too much of your hard drive space for Windows. Runs faster, and gets less in your way doing things.
Sorry to barge in…so you can purchase the OEM version after you purchase your Mac? (ie without the hardware). I thought you had to purchase OEM software with the Mac (that's what we were told by the store), and yes I know this sounds like a dumb question.
I've bought OEM copies from legitimate places online and in person without having to purchase hardware as well.
There seems to have always been a loophole for small computer makers that allow them to sell OEM versions to those that "agree to install it on a new PC", when you think about it a Mac is the perfect place for an OEM license.
Exactly, and $159 would be for a more top-tier version (like Ultimate or example), as Vista 64 Home Premium can be had for $80.
KítscheñÇinqµe
macrumors regular
OEM Vista Ultimate also doesn't come with both 32 and 64 bit versions on the install DVD like the retail disc does.
If you change your Mac and want to re-install Vista, with the OEM version you have to buy another copy to remain legally licensed too.
Just a couple of other caveats to think about which may make buying OEM more expensive in the long run.
If you have a licensed copy of XP laying around you can buy an upgrade version of Vista to save some money.
I don't understand the legality of it completely, but it seems like one can argue that a Mac meets the criteria for "newness" in this case in the sense that it has not previously had Windows installed on it?
Transferable to a new computer, not a new owner of the computer with it installed. (i.e., the latter is permitted)