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Forum nameThe Computer Forum
Topic subjectWhy is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Topic URLhttp://www.pcqanda.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=2&topic_id=222857
222857, Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Beninio, Sat May-17-03 06:58 PM
I was looking about on the net and found the following:
http://www.insight.com/uk/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=MSSA03HPZ
Why is this so cheap? Is it the full product? I have a feeling that the media only has something to do with it but what does it mean?
Cheers, Beninio
222858, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by labyrinth, Sat May-17-03 07:29 PM
Somebody has made a mistake....or somebody isn't going to ship at that price. Do you know if that is a reputable company? If it is, they may make good on the mistaken advertisement.
222859, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Beninio, Sat May-17-03 07:34 PM
I found the shop after looking through the pcqanda archives. Jim aka mcnallyjp has bought from there before and hasn't complained about it. Are you sure that it is the full product?
Cheers
222860, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Sonny, Sat May-17-03 07:59 PM
They have a Contacts section. Contact them and inquire.





222861, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by labyrinth, Sat May-17-03 08:05 PM
Benino: If you go to this page in the same advertisement you'll see that, yes, this is the full XP.

http://www.insight.com/uk/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=MSSA03HPZ#extendedspecs


I think I'm going to try and get it. Don't know if my credit card company will let me buy from out of the country though.
222862, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by mcnallyjp, Sat May-17-03 10:43 PM
Hi Beninio,

Great deal. Looks OK to me. Insight are a large reputable company. I have bought from them on three occasions previously. (Xp Pro Student.)

Any way 11 left now, }>

Thanks verry much, Beninio,






222863, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by ChrisP, Sat May-17-03 08:05 PM
>
>I have a feeling that the media only has something to do with it but
>what does it mean?
>

"Media Only" normally indicates that the product is supplied in just that form -- the disk(s) will not be accompanied by supporting documentation, e.g. manuals, booklets, etc. -- and is often the way that leftover bulk-licensed OEM disks are sold off. This type of sale is more often than not in violation of the OEM's licensure agreement with the software provider.
222864, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by labyrinth, Sat May-17-03 08:12 PM
That arm of the company only sells in Britian and Ireland. Went to their Canadian and U.S. subsid, and found XP at the normal prices.
222865, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Beninio, Sat May-17-03 08:17 PM
Thanks for the replies. Tried to contact them but was greeted by an answer phone. I have bought xp already and have all the booklets so I don't really need it, however will it come with a product key (the one you have to input when installing it)? Will I be able to install it with no difficulties?
Thanks, Beninio
222866, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by muckshifter, Sat May-17-03 08:46 PM
I ordered one, not enough funds to order all 16 that were in stock. :9

Should be here Tuesday, I'll let you know if it's OEM or not.

Oh, and the total price Inc Del & tax was, and I "quote"

Product: MSSA03HPZ WINDOWS XP PRO Quantity: 1 Unit Price: 16.99

Shipping: 9.95
VAT: 4.71
Purchase Total: 31.65

Still cheaper than the £90 I've seen it for on one of my regular suppliers. :7

EDIT:
This could be NON-SP1 stock they need to "shift". }>
222867, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Night_rider666, Sat May-17-03 08:52 PM

You would have only got 15 anyway after the one I ordered anyway }>

Just went for the 2/3 day delivery so I'll be looking forward to Tuesdays report :)

I have used Insight in the past and they are a quality, reputable company. And if they've got it wrong I'm sure there will be some form of compensation }> }>


222868, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Beninio, Sat May-17-03 09:20 PM
hey, just found that they do it in the sp1 flavour as well:
http://www.insight.com/uk/apps/productpresentation/index.php?product_id=MSSA03HR0
222869, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by labyrinth, Sat May-17-03 10:08 PM
You guys are lucky being over there....wish I had a UK P.O. Box. :(
222870, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Beninio, Sat May-17-03 10:12 PM
Found this Labyrinth when I was trying to find out more about what media only ment. Don't know if its the same thing:
http://www.idg.net/english/crd_internet_1245623.html
Hope it helps,
Beninio
222871, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by JohnnyReb, Sat May-17-03 10:27 PM
At least in the university world, media only means exactly what it says. One CD. No documentation, NO LICENSE!

Microsoft has programs for corporations and educational institutions to buy their licenses over the net (For us, it is called the Select program). They then sell just the licenses, so occassionally the buyer needs to get the media too (the it guys do not need a cd for each computer they install XP on...).

My money is on it being just that. You can get the cd, but you also need to buy a license if you plan on using it legitimately..... So for those of you who have ordered it... you may want to check that out before ripping open the shrinkwrap on the packages.....

I can tell you that under this type of program in Sweden, the media alone (sans license) runs somewhere between 20 - 30 UK pounds....

Your mileage may vary....

JR
222872, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Chattan, Sun May-18-03 12:41 AM
I would guess that "media" only means that you get a CD-ROM and NO ProductKey, so I will be VERY interested to hear of the findings on tuesday.

Needing a Pan-European version, but would change to the UK one ... IF ... it is a full and useable product.

Mac
222873, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by muckshifter, Sun May-18-03 01:22 AM
http://freespace.virgin.net/bank.help/current/Sale_of_Goods.htm

;)
222874, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Bernard, Sat May-17-03 11:10 PM
Oh mine, this is a media only CD for a volume license agreement.

You know what this means?

You get the CD but not the license as you have to get the license through a volume license agreement.

So NO XP PRODUCT KEY


222875, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by mcnallyjp, Sat May-17-03 11:25 PM
Oh b*****, I hope they have an understanding returns policy. That will teach me to buy stuff before I am fully awake, :'(

Thanks Bernard and JohhnyReb,
222876, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by mcnallyjp, Sat May-17-03 11:46 PM
THere is a way to cancel orders on the Insight website.

Lefthand panel, Help Desk, Customer Support, then Customer Order Processing and then Cancel an order. You will need to be logged in, and have your order number plus e-mail address,
222888, RE: Why is this XP pro so cheap? (media only???)
Posted by Chattan, Sun May-18-03 12:47 AM
Aha! Thought it was a little strange when the Student version of XP Office is around $179, but it WILL be REALLY interesting if you do get a ProductKey! Then someone will have slipped up! Worth the gamble.

There used to be a legal policy that if you advertised at a given price you HAD to sell at that price.

Bought a skeet gun, long time ago, for $375 that should have been $735. Told a friend and he bought two!

We both thought that they were selling a good deal. The owner of the firm was NOT amused with his sales team!

Ah well!

Mac
222889, SIMILAR OFFER IN THE US
Posted by Ropera, Sun May-18-03 01:08 AM
http://www.dealtime.com/xCP-Microsoft_Windows_XP_Professional_-_Media_Only_(E85-00315)_Operating_Systems~FD-377~PD-20330080
222890, RE: SIMILAR OFFER IN THE US
Posted by Shelly, Sun May-18-03 04:06 AM
Here are the details.

http://www.viosoftware.com/winxpprofend.html
222891, RE: SIMILAR OFFER IN THE US
Posted by Beninio, Sun May-18-03 04:57 PM
Thanks for the replies guys. I couldn't get to the link you supplied Ropera. Just comes up with a "sorry could not find the page you are looking for". I could see the link that Shelly gave, but am still a bit unsure. Is the WWF Windows XP Pro Disk Kit CD KEYLLESS (that I gave in my third link) the same as the first 2 links (media only).
What happens if you do try installing the media only (and disk kit if it is any different). Will microsoft be able to tell when you try to activate the product?
All in all if the product cannot be installed legally as it comes then I think that the seller has not made it really clear about what you can and can't do. Shouldn't they have a warning about needing to purchase the license to be able to install it?
Thanks Beninio
222892, I don't think
Posted by Ropera, Sun May-18-03 08:12 PM
that is keyless, but unlicensed (like the picture I posted). Now if it is legal or not, depends on that who has the license authorizes you to use it (I think)

Half of the link I put is not hot so you will have to type it.
222893, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bernard, Sun May-18-03 10:38 PM
No, you are in a mistake, the media only do not come with any Product Key, so you can install it and it will work only for 30 days.

222894, RE: I don't think
Posted by Beninio, Mon May-19-03 12:07 AM
sorry for being such a pain, but I thought that you need the product key to install windows in the first place. What I read from your post Bernard is that the product key (that is missing) is the main factor for running xp after the 30 days (activation). Well what is the numbers that come with the disk called?
Again sorry for being a little confused,
Beninio
222895, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bernard, Mon May-19-03 12:20 AM
It doesn't come with any Prod Key, what I meant is that you can "borrow" somebody else Prod key install and do not try to activate as you cannot do it with a key already use. There is no any key included in the media CD


222896, RE: I don't think
Posted by Beninio, Mon May-19-03 12:25 AM
Oh, thanks for the reply Bernard. That cleared things up. I think I won't bother trying to take a gamble on it.
222897, RE: I don't think
Posted by Chattan, Mon May-19-03 01:44 PM
Beninio, Good decision as it happens. I emailed Insight in London England this morning and their representative Dan Bailey called me back in Belgium.

This sale is media only and anyone who buys it must be a licensed re-seller or existing license holder who has possession of the necessary ProductKey(s) when they open their license agreement.

NOT for the private individual.

Normal price some GB£ 220+

Need to work in a University!

Have a nice day.

Mac
222898, RE: I don't think
Posted by Beninio, Mon May-19-03 08:20 PM
Hi Mac, I gave them a call this morning to enquire about it and they told me the same thing. They also had a look at the page that I pointed to on this forum and agreed that it is a bit unclear. I think that if anyone did buy a copy they would understand if you do not want it anymore.
Phew!!!, that sorts that out.
Cheers Beninio
222899, RE: I don't think
Posted by mcnallyjp, Mon May-19-03 08:29 PM
Thanks for that Beninio,
222900, RE: I don't think
Posted by Chattan, Mon May-19-03 09:07 PM
My pleasure :7

Mac
222901, RE: I don't think
Posted by muckshifter, Mon May-19-03 11:18 PM
Dear Insight Customer,

Thank you for your recent order (******) It is with regret that we inform you that we are unable to fulfill your order at this time.

Our product code: MSSA03HPZ is out of stock and at this time I do not have an ETA for new stock.

Please advise how you wish to proceed with the order.

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Regards
Donna Ward
customer services



Looks like I don't get mine, better keep an eye on my CC for a bill!
222902, RE: I don't think
Posted by Night_rider666, Tue May-20-03 12:01 AM

I got the same e-mail - after they sent me an email saying that they were unable to cancel the order due to it already being dispatched, when I tried to cancel the order. :)

222903, RE: I don't think
Posted by mcnallyjp, Tue May-20-03 01:51 AM


No e-mail from Insight, looks like the order has been processed and sent. No feedback on my cancellation request. I did put a note on the request saying to ship if it came with a product key.

Be interesting to see what arrives,


222904, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bernard, Tue May-20-03 02:25 AM
What are the chances that you are gonna get a CD any different than the 50's or so Media CDs that I have ordered all these years and I have here in the server room(Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP)?

222905, RE: I don't think
Posted by mcnallyjp, Tue May-20-03 02:28 AM
None probably. :7 I will more than likely have to send them back.
222906, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bob G, Tue May-20-03 05:13 AM
Well I hope you feel suitably silly :D Media only CDs are available all over the place (as are the licenses for them.)
222907, RE: I don't think
Posted by Chattan, Tue May-20-03 11:10 AM
Does anyone know just how much you have to pay for the licence?

Mac
222908, RE: I don't think
Posted by mcnallyjp, Tue May-20-03 11:18 AM
Thanks Bob :)

I do feel a bit silly, but I had only just got up when I read the post and ordered. If the worst comes to the worst, and I am unable to return the CDs I will have 2 extremely well made back up copies to keep by the machines, for sfc etc. :7
222909, RE: I don't think
Posted by mcnallyjp, Thu May-22-03 01:51 AM
Arrived this AM. 2 lots of about 6 CDs. No product Key.

Phoned Customer Support. Absolutely no problem returning the items. Sent me RMA by email. Guy at the other end thought it was quite funny,


222910, RE: I don't think
Posted by Chattan, Tue May-20-03 02:41 PM
Does it allow you to choose a language in the set-up?

That would be interesting.

Have you enquired about the cost of a license?

Have you asked MS? Might be MORE interesting!

Mac
222911, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bernard, Tue May-20-03 08:50 PM
In the Windows Multilanguage version you have the option to install different languages.

Multilingual Features in Windows XP Professional

The price of the Volume level license depends on the number of licenses you buy (minimum 5 licenses), the length of the agreement (minimum 2 years) and the type of volume agreement, prices go from $30 per license per year to $80 or so (Be aware that many of those packages also include free upgrade to the latest version and some other components like Office, Exchange client etc)

Software Assurance Overview

222912, RE: I don't think
Posted by Bob H, Tue May-20-03 10:06 PM
" Not for resale" might be of interest to MS. That might explain why they were so willing to take them back.
222913, RE: The Saga Continues
Posted by muckshifter, Wed May-21-03 06:05 PM
x(

Just recived mine ... in the second post (UK gets two deliveries of mail a day) ... Don't think much of their "Next Day" HA not to mention that email???

Now I wonder how good their RMA system is. :7
222914, RE: The Saga Continues
Posted by mcnallyjp, Wed May-21-03 06:50 PM
Hello,

Dont know yet how speedy with they are with their refunds but a phone call to Customer Support generated the RMA No. sent by e-mail within a few minutes,


222877, I beg to differ Bernard
Posted by Ropera, Thu May-22-03 01:51 AM
"no license" does not mean "no Product Key"

It is not volume license agreement either because you still have to activate it, whereas the volume license key does not need activation.
This is one I bought from the University. It comes like this, in a sleeve, and nothing else.

What is the catch? I don't know, but it works fine and updates OK (I have Windows XP Pro $7.00, Office $21.00, and Frontpage $14.00 like this), so for practical purposes is like the full product. I asked if I have to return it or buy a license after I finish to attend school and they told me that I don't.


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