On Sun, 28 Oct 2012 22:53:14 -0400, SC Tom wrote:

"JTJersey" wrote in message
...
Why does the Windows 8 OEM version cost MORE than the Windows 8 Pro
Upgrade? Currently at $59.99 at Tiger Direct with OEM pricing at
$79.99? New Egg is similar. OEM has always been cheaper for system
builders, but now it seems to be reversed. Looking around I see
different product numbers for what appear to be the same version. For
example: Microsoft 3UR-00001 Windows 8 Pro, Microsoft 5VR-00001
Windows 8 Pro, both priced at $59.99 at Tiger Direct. With Windows 8RT
floating around I don't want to buy into the wrong thing.

Not really sure why the higher price, but wouldn't an OEM version be a
full version, whereas an upgrade version isn't?

You can get the upgrade from MS for $39.99US.
It's a download, but you can create your own DVD from it. If you have a
PC that bought after June 2, 2012 (or plan to buy one before January 31,
2013), you can get that same upgrade for $14.99US.
https://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US/

OEM versions are pinned to a particular computer and can't be moved to
another one if it goes belly up. Their priced so a system builder can
make a couple of bucks on the deal. Upgrade versions can actually be
used for new system builds as well. It's common, and legal within the
Microsoft EULA, to use Upgrade versions on clean installs. Your just
upgrading your upgrade and with Windows XP upgrades you HAVE to do a
clean install. The pricing has been this way since Windows 98 so I'm
concerned seeing the pricing reversed. The downloadable ISO file also
makes me wonder. This is how I've been buying Linux operating systems
for years, but why is Microsoft offering their flagship product for
$39.99? And even this price fluctuates by $20 depending on where you
find it. I've never seen more than a few cents difference in MS
operating systems even if you bought them at Walmart. I'm leery of the
pricing which is why I'm asking for input here and I thank you for your
reply.
--
Registered Linux User #267152