OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
search a bit.

No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!

Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.

I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.

Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
trial software.

--
lyle fairfield

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:42:41 GMT, lyle fairfield
wrote:

Hi uncle Lyle,
I didn't know we were related. So that's where those miseable machines
came from :-)

-Tom.



>Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
>$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
>search a bit.
>
>No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
>the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!
>
>Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.
>
>I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.
>
>Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
>trial software.

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:42:41 GMT, lyle fairfield wrote:

>Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
>$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
>search a bit.
>
>No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
>the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!
>
>Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.
>
>I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.
>
>Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
>trial software.

OK. So you buy some version of Office Pro along with a new computer from a
computer manufacturer, What limitations do the programs have? How do they
compare to buying the software in a computer store or directly from MS?

Chuck
--

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Nov 9, 10:03 am, Chuck wrote:
> On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:42:41 GMT, lyle fairfield wrote:
> >Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
> >$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
> >search a bit.
>
> >No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
> >the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!
>
> >Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.
>
> >I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.
>
> >Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
> >trial software.
>
> OK. So you buy some version of Office Pro along with a new computer from a
> computer manufacturer, What limitations do the programs have? How do they
> compare to buying the software in a computer store or directly from MS?
>
> Chuck
> --

My experience is limited but recently I have found that

If you buy the program separately and install it and later want to
install it on another machine or on the same machine after a hard disk
crash, you're likely to have to phone MS and explain why you need to
do the re-install; if you sound convincing they'll give you the magic
number which permits the reinstall. I find this demeaning,
troublesome, frustrating and time-consuming. And since I'm unwilling
to lie about it, it means that sometimes I have to buy new software
when, in my own mind, I think I should not have to do so.

But, with OEM one may not be able to do a reinstall at all, except on
the same machine after a crash. And, I believe there's no confusion
about the circumstances of where this software can be used; it can be
used on the machine it was purchased for; if you drop that machine
into the river both it and your license for the software are gone
forever.

A few years ago I wouldn't have considered the OEM license. But I'm
not so sure it's way different than the regular license now. The olden
days when we routinely used the same software purchase on our office
computer, our laptop and the home desktop are gone.

That's my take; I'd love to know I'm wrong.

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:03:17 -0500, Chuck
wrote:


>
>OK. So you buy some version of Office Pro along with a new computer from a
>computer manufacturer, What limitations do the programs have? How do they
>compare to buying the software in a computer store or directly from MS?
>
>Chuck

In my experience, the OEM programs were identical to the retail
versions "except" that the license prohibits them from being installed
on any other computer than the one they were purchased with/for. That
is, you are expected to throw them away if you dispose of the
computer. As long as you intend to keep the comnputer for a long time,
there isn't any problem. But if your computer somehow distructs, you
can't just replace it and expect to (legally) install the programs on
the replacement computer. I din't know if it's possible to illegally
install them or not, but I suspect that when you go to activate them,
MS won't allow it.

--
Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Fri, 09 Nov 2007 07:27:17 -0800, lyle
wrote:

>On Nov 9, 10:03 am, Chuck wrote:
>> On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:42:41 GMT, lyle fairfield wrote:
>> >Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
>> >$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
>> >search a bit.
>>
>> >No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
>> >the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!
>>
>> >Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.
>>
>> >I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.
>>
>> >Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
>> >trial software.
>>
>> OK. So you buy some version of Office Pro along with a new computer from a
>> computer manufacturer, What limitations do the programs have? How do they
>> compare to buying the software in a computer store or directly from MS?
>>
>> Chuck
>> --
>
>My experience is limited but recently I have found that
>
>If you buy the program separately and install it and later want to
>install it on another machine or on the same machine after a hard disk
>crash, you're likely to have to phone MS and explain why you need to
>do the re-install; if you sound convincing they'll give you the magic
>number which permits the reinstall. I find this demeaning,
>troublesome, frustrating and time-consuming. And since I'm unwilling
>to lie about it, it means that sometimes I have to buy new software
>when, in my own mind, I think I should not have to do so.
>
>But, with OEM one may not be able to do a reinstall at all, except on
>the same machine after a crash. And, I believe there's no confusion
>about the circumstances of where this software can be used; it can be
>used on the machine it was purchased for; if you drop that machine
>into the river both it and your license for the software are gone
>forever.
>
>A few years ago I wouldn't have considered the OEM license. But I'm
>not so sure it's way different than the regular license now. The olden
>days when we routinely used the same software purchase on our office
>computer, our laptop and the home desktop are gone.
>
>That's my take; I'd love to know I'm wrong.
>

I think you have it exactly right, based on my experience. However,
the "same machine" has quite a bit of latitude. I re-installed a MS
Works Suite OEM (really, just MS Word) on a computer that had a new
Motherboard, new hard drive, new video card, etc. In fact, the only
thing salvaged from the "old" computer was the case and power supply
and CD Writer, and MS allowed the installation. And although I don't
have any of the new MS software, I understand that some copies of
retail software allow multiple installations on "family" computers.

--
Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Fri, 09 Nov 2007 10:03:17 -0500, Chuck wrote:

>On Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:42:41 GMT, lyle fairfield wrote:
>
>>Dell Canada is currently offering MS Office 2007 Pro for $199 CAD (regular
>>$499) when included on selected (not all) Vostro desktops. One may have to
>>search a bit.
>>
>>No, I don't work for Dell, but I've bought many computers from Dell over
>>the years. Most were good. Some weren't. I passed those on to relatives!
>>
>>Yes, I know that OEM software has its limitations, maybe even frustrations.
>>
>>I don't know if Dell has similar offers in other countries.
>>
>>Vostros drew my interest when I learned that they are not loaded with any
>>trial software.
>
>OK. So you buy some version of Office Pro along with a new computer from a
>computer manufacturer, What limitations do the programs have? How do they
>compare to buying the software in a computer store or directly from MS?
>
>Chuck

I'm running Win ME. I need a new machine, obviously. I use an external hard
drive to Clone (XXCOPY software) the computer hard drive. The two drives are
same model and size. I've had one HD failure - bearings went bad - could hear
it happening. I swapped HD drives and kept on operating. Sweated some until I
had a new drive in the external enclosure. The company that makes xxcopy also
makes xxclone especially for Win XP. Don't know if there is anything for
Vista. It's a command line program. Much like MS xcopy but with much much
more capability.

Chuck
--

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Nov 9, 10:27 am, lyle wrote:

> A few years ago I wouldn't have considered the OEM license. But I'm
> not so sure it's way different than the regular license now. The olden
> days when we routinely used the same software purchase on our office
> computer, our laptop and the home desktop are gone.

I'm glad that MS is enforcing licensing on their software. The
situation you describe was slowing the adoption of linux over Windows
by my customers :-). Just like you, MS has every right to place
controls in their software to ensure legitimate use. MS' most glaring
flaw, IMO, is of lack of competition. Maybe that move indicates that
MS feels they are strong enough that they don't need to worry about
linux anymore, excepting the patent threats. Perhaps in their rush to
plug the piracy vulnerabilities they decided that the money saved in
doing so would more than make up for any inconvenience you are forced
to suffer due to haste in implementation.

James A. Fortune
CDMAPoster@FortuneJames.com

The piano piece in the Halo 3 commercial "Believe" is from Chopin Op.
28 "24 Preludes," No. 15 in D flat major "Raindrops."

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

> Perhaps in their rush to
> plug the piracy vulnerabilities they decided that the money saved in
> doing so would more than make up for any inconvenience you are forced
> to suffer due to haste in implementation.

I think you're right, which is a real shame. Unfortunately that's just the
way it is now, and seeing as I've made my living with MS products I must eat
humble pie. But still:

"Microsoft's biggest and most dangerous contribution to the software
industry may be the degree to which it has lowered user expectations."
- Esther Schindler, OS/2 Magazine

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

lyle wrote in
news:1194622037.921621.3790@s15g2000prm.googlegroups.com:

> with OEM one may not be able to do a reinstall at all, except on
> the same machine after a crash. And, I believe there's no
> confusion about the circumstances of where this software can be
> used; it can be used on the machine it was purchased for; if you
> drop that machine into the river both it and your license for the
> software are gone forever.

Well, that's what the EULA says, but there's nothing in the copy
protection or licensing that treats an OEM version any differently
from non-OEM copies. The only real difference I can think of is who
provides support.

--
David W. Fenton http://www.dfenton.com/
usenet at dfenton dot com http://www.dfenton.com/DFA/

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

Charlie Hoffpauir wrote in
news:s4v8j3t4om1p2oo3kr8ljcags7iq39jj9t@4ax.com:

> In my experience, the OEM programs were identical to the retail
> versions "except" that the license prohibits them from being
> installed on any other computer than the one they were purchased
> with/for.

It's not the "license" but the EULA that prohibits it. I don't think
there's any more problem transferring an OEM license from one PC to
another than there is non-OEM. The only difference may be that you
have to call the PC maker to make it happen (never done it with OEM
versions that have the more restrictive licensing).

--
David W. Fenton http://www.dfenton.com/
usenet at dfenton dot com http://www.dfenton.com/DFA/

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

On Fri, 09 Nov 2007 20:10:53 -0600, "David W. Fenton"
wrote:

>Charlie Hoffpauir wrote in
>news:s4v8j3t4om1p2oo3kr8ljcags7iq39jj9t@4ax.com:
>
>> In my experience, the OEM programs were identical to the retail
>> versions "except" that the license prohibits them from being
>> installed on any other computer than the one they were purchased
>> with/for.
>
>It's not the "license" but the EULA that prohibits it. I don't think
>there's any more problem transferring an OEM license from one PC to
>another than there is non-OEM. The only difference may be that you
>have to call the PC maker to make it happen (never done it with OEM
>versions that have the more restrictive licensing).

OK then, EULA. But whatever, it's Microsoft that you have to call to
get your OEM version of MS Word to work after a reinstall. I bought my
OEM copies (I have several, one on each of my computers) from
DirecDeals.com, and I've never had to call them to re-register the
software, just Microsoft. I've never tried to move a copy from one
computer to another, though.... but based on the experience of
installing on a completely "revised" computer, I suspect that you
could actually do it.

--
Charlie Hoffpauir
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~charlieh/

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

Haven't I said anything *else* worth quoting in the last ten years?

--Esther Schindler
senior online editor, CIO.com
http://advice.cio.com/blogs/youre_the_boss

On Nov 9, 5:04 pm, "Stuart McCall" wrote:
> > Perhaps in their rush to
> > plug the piracy vulnerabilities they decided that the money saved in
> > doing so would more than make up for any inconvenience you are forced
> > to suffer due to haste in implementation.
>
> I think you're right, which is a real shame. Unfortunately that's just the
> way it is now, and seeing as I've made my living with MS products I must eat
> humble pie. But still:
>
> "Microsoft's biggest and most dangerous contribution to the software
> industry may be the degree to which it has lowered user expectations."
> -Esther Schindler, OS/2 Magazine

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

"estherschindler" wrote in message
news:933a6968-9e2f-4b67-9e25-d30d976b9769@s6g2000prc.googleg roups.com...
> Haven't I said anything *else* worth quoting in the last ten years?

You mean beside "Will work for chocolate"? Not to my knowledge, no & ducking>

Re: OT: Dell offers Office 2007 Pro @$199

Thanks for the info!


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