One of the biggest hardware online shops in the United States, Newegg, has revealed Windows 7 OEM pricing on their website. OEM, which stands for Original equipment manufacturer, are usually handed out to system builders. They are usually cheaper than the retail or upgrade editions but come with several severe disadvantages that include no upgrade option (only clean installs), no Microsoft support, no boxed version of the operating system and no option to transfer to another PC.
The Windows 7 OEM editions are sold at Newegg (prices are likely to be similar at other retailers) for $110 for a Windows 7 Home Premium OEM license, $140 for a Windows 7 Professional license and $190 for a Windows 7 Ultimate license. See the chart below for an overview of the different options.
The Windows 7 OEM versions have the lowest price tag of all available versions. There is however on exception to that. The Windows 7 Family Pack will retail on October 22 for $150. It comes with three Windows 7 licenses just like the 3-license Home Premium OEM offer. The price tag of the family pack on the other hand is less than half of the OEM pack. It is on the other hand a limited offer.
What do you usually buy? OEM, upgrade or retail and why? What was your experience with OEM editions if you purchased them before?
I have always tried to steer clear of OEM versions of windows. Obviously, it will stay activated through many upgrades, but Microsoft are a lot more strict about reactivating OEM systems through a motherboard upgrade. Considering that in this year alone I have (or will have) upgraded my motherboard three times, it just doesn’t make sense. The old adage is true I guess, saving a few pounds when you buy windows for a new build just isn’t worth the possible expense of having to buy another copy if you upgrade your motherboard.
They do have their place, for a typical OEM who is building and then selling their system, or at least not planning on upgrading it. It’s just not right for me. I eventually decided the best thing to do was to buy a Technet subscription, since it means I only had to pay once to get access to any Microsoft OS I needed or wanted to use, it’s been a lifesaver with access to Office and Windows Home server.
I’ve already reported on this.
http://windows7news.com/2009/09/26/get-windows-7-for-50-off/
Actually in my experience OEMs are nicer. I have had no luck at all reactivating retail copies of windows, but when it comes to OEMs in my experience microsoft is a lot more lenient. but thats just my experience.