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Vista to be Downloadable (Legally)
ubermiester writes "InfoWorld reports that Windows Vista will be available for legal download as of January 30th — the same day it will be available in retail stores. MS-NBC Online notes that, 'a relatively low number of computer users are likely to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet, but the mere availability indicates that Microsoft is fiddling with distribution methods for the extremely profitable franchise at the core of its business.' It will be available via the MS Marketplace site in conjunction with a Circuit City offering. Additionally, users who decide to 'upgrade' to a more expensive version of the OS can simply activate the features they want by unlocking them via online activation."
As much as some can hate Microsoft, this is good and others should follow. At least good for the environment, less hardware, less energy used for shipping. Of course, the ability to burn an Install and Crash/Recover DVD is essential. It even allows reaching the customers faster. I guess it would also be appropriate to continue shipping physical copies for those with limited Internet access and/or want the user manual. (I don't think this will significantly impact piracy. Piracy will occur anyway.)
Animoog.org
Otherwise, I assume this is just an MS attempt to cut down the (minimal) costs they spend on the useless mini-manual and DVD in an envelope packaging.
You buy SuSE, you get 4 manuals that describe, in detail, every function of the system, from installing to CD burning to firewall configuration to scanning/printing.
You buy Windows? You get a 12 page manual that decsribed the on button, and how to use a Mouse. Enjoy!
WhiteWolf666 an exBush supporter. All you new-school,compassionate,save the children Republicans can rot in hell
No, Bittorrent will be where you go to find older versions of Windows, so you can get component video, or maybe just a stable system with no "tilt bits" purposefully introduced every time the compressor turns on in the kitchen fridge.
I must be turning into an old person, the kind you see still using rotary dial phones and rabbit ear antennas. Who needs this newfangled Vista crap! In my day, when you bought music or a movie, it was yours! Now they want you to rent every pleasurable stimulus that enters your senses! These city folk will do anything for a dollar!
Okay so I don't imagine myself participating as a consumer, I have to admit that if they play this right, they will be able to sell minimalistic versions of their OS (or pass them out in magazines and newspapers) just to get things started. Then, if people want more functionality, say to burn a CD/DVD or whatever, they pay for it incrementally. It would make the OS feel more affordable. I can imagine many people going for this.
"... windoze ..."
Could this get any older?
Regardless, it's where I stop reading.
I am Homer of Borg. Resistance is Fut.. Mmmmmmmm, Donuts!
If I purchase it online, will the pricing only reflect Online Marketing costs, Online Packaging costs, Online Distribution costs, and the same development costs as are associated with the physical product? Or will it be more like traditional vendors where we are in effect paying the whole amount, and therefor paying for part of the physical product?
I highly doubt Microsoft will take into account activity based costing in respect to the product pricing. Especially since it would benefit them to charge the same amount or close to it, and improve the overall profitability of the physical product.
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Not to be stripped of any slashdot cred, but I don't understand why the GPP got modded down as a troll. While you can hold MS accountable for DRMing to death the HD DVD playback capabilities, its no more of a sellout than anything else MS has done for the past decade and more. And, IIRC, the media distributors are requiring all hardware, PC or otherwise, that plays HD DVDs to be DRMed to death. Blaming MS for a policy being handed to them from the media companies is like blaming MS software vendors for following idiotic MS policies, the policies aren't good, and (if it worked in an idealistic way) would be stopped by the free market, but they aren't the fault of the people who follow them.
Place the blame where it belongs...
Clones are people two.
> It's a great gaming OS
Windows Vista Ultimate +3 games(well you get hearts, minesweeper and solitaire..) $450
(above does not include any hardware, add $1500 for semi-decent gaming system)
Microsoft Xbox 360 core ($299) + 3 games of your choice (~$150) $450
Nintendo Wii ($250) + 3 games of your choice ($150) $400
Sony playstation 3 basic ($499)+ 3 games of your choice ($150) $650
(add $1000 for semi-decent tv for consoles)
Truly great gaming platform, no doubt..
You could buy x360, wii and decent tv and still have some money to spare, where your vista rig doesn't even have any games yet.
There are no atheists when recovering from tape backup.