Office XP + Palm M100 + Digital Camera = $226

[WhiskeyPapa]

New deal at Staples, just started today (and ends Saturday.)

http://www.staples.com/products/Themes/Special_Offers/Microsoft/OfficeXP_01/Default.ASP (http://www.staples.com/products/Themes/Special_Offers/Microsoft/OfficeXP_01/Default.ASP?sourceid=00202418741122467315)

Buy any version of Microsoft Office XP (cheapest is the Standard Upgrade at $239)
Buy Palm M100
Buy AGFA ePhoto CL18 Digital Camera
Use $40 off $200 coupon (80319)
Get $129.98 rebate for Palm
Get $100.00 rebate for camera
Get 5 business software titles free (My Business Publisher CD, My Business CheckWriter CD, Elibrium Bill Center Office CD, Simply Accounting, ProVenture Smart Business Pack).

My total after tax and rebates is $226.86. None of the rebates require you to open the Office XP box, so it should be eBay-able.

Also, get about $330 worth of software and hardware (including PC Camera, 4 port USB hub, Headset, Dazzle Digital Video and mouse) for free with rebate with your OfficeXP purchase. Expires 6/9/01.

http://www.staples.com/products/Themes/Special_Offers/Microsoft/OfficeXP_01/MoreItems.asp (http://www.staples.com/products/Themes/Special_Offers/Microsoft/OfficeXP_01/MoreItems.asp?sourceid=00202418741122467315)

[brainsmile]

this looks interesting... anyone done it yet?

[WhiskeyPapa]

I did it. I always get a little nervous using Staples coupon codes with rebates, but there was nothing I could find that said "not valid with other discounts."

Staples has never denied any of my past rebates, and I always use a coupon code.

[dkop0978]

I ordered it too...the only problem that I had was I received an e-mail from Staples saying my credit card was not valid. When I called up they proceeded to tell me that there was no valid coupon for the free software titles. I asked to speak to her manager and the situation was handled. Is expected to be delivered on Monday.

[TheLoneGunman]

Supposedly this deal is for $700 worth of free stuff if you visit the store.

It has the same hardware but a bunch more software.

[ZrEo0]

id rather go with officemax and get the iomega stuff

[brainsmile]

what iomega stuff?

[Burzhui]

hey brainsmile go here and you well see the 400 bucks of iomega stuff
http://www.officemax.com/max/solutions/microsite/officexp/officexp.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes

[wayne]

Do all the products have to be purchased at the same time or can you order separately and use a coupon code for each?

[WhiskeyPapa]

This deal no longer includes the Palm M100. They must have run out. Glad I got my order in early.

[jbserra]

Dang, why can't they just make the price cheaper instead of throwing in all this stuff? I rather have Office for $50, then $450 with $400 worth of stuff. Dumb.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Originally posted by jbserra
Dang, why can't they just make the price cheaper instead of throwing in all this stuff? I rather have Office for $50, then $450 with $400 worth of stuff. Dumb.

That's why they invented eBay!

Actually, Microsoft could make money selling Office for $50-$100, but they want to maintain the perception that it is premium business software. Do you really think major businesses would make a $50 product the 'standard' for interoffice documents?

I think all these retailers (Staples, OfficeMax, etc) get Office XP dirt cheap, but have to agree not to sell it below a certian price (like $229 for the standard upgrade.) That way they can throw in all these incentives, everyone buys MS Office, MS Office keeps it's perceived value as a "Premium" product, and Microsoft is one step closer to total world domination.

[[email protected]]

placed order friday night. spent like $500+++ but with bunch of rebates coming. little scary but hope they will work out.

[Bires]

I was down at Staples yesterday and I checked out OfficeXP. Only the developer upgrade has MS Frontpage. Ms is selling frontpage as a separate addin to Office. Am I the only one surprised by this?

[stupidzbu]

so the deal is essentially DEAD... as in .. NO PALM...

[WhiskeyPapa]

The stuff started arriving today. Staples messed up and sent me the Palm Vx ($299) instead of the M100 ($129). My packing slip said M100, I was only charged for an M100, but I was a good boy and called them. They are overnighting me a Palm M100 and picking up my Vx.

The camera is a really cheapie, I would never have actually paid $100 for it. I'll probably give it to my 9 year-old for her birthday.

[hankncari]

I got my stuff as well. I'm a bit of an ignoramous when it comes to dealing w/ rebates. Can anyone walk me through the rebate process?

I downloaded all the forms. Each rebate form asks for the ORIGINAL receipt and says "not good with any other rebate." I only have one receipt (is the receipt the packing list? Or is the receipt the page I printed?) and 3 products for which to claim rebates (Palm, Camera, some McAfee office).

What should I do? If push comes to shove I'd rather have the Palm than anything else, but the Staples site seemed to be saying "back up your dumptruck and load it up with free toys!"

Thanks very much

PS do I need to include the UPC code from the Microsoft Office software too? There is only one of these as well...

[WhiskeyPapa]

None of the rebates will require the original Office XP UPC symbol, all will accept a photocopy.

As far as the receipt, a copy should also be acceptable. With on-line orders, I always include both the order summary I printed, as well as the packing slip. You will not have a rebate rejected for including too much information.

Make copies of everything for yourself.

In my experience with Staples rebates (which is pretty extensive) they are very forgiving, and will process any rebate as long as you make an honest attempt to comply with the rebate criteria.

BTW, I ordered the McAfee Office (free after rebate), and on the box was a certificate for another $20 rebate for previous users of McAfee or Norton software! Bonus!

[hankncari]

I feel better now

[[email protected]]

help someone, got rejected from staples for my agfo rebate. what should i do? how and where do i contact staples?

do we need to include a copy of invoice if subming electronically?

well, the post card i received says that:

"the original receipt was not included with your rebate submission. the postmark date on your rebate submission was after the deadline for this rebate. the product was not purchased within the required dates for this rebate. WFT?

help.......thx