Windows XP Pro, book, quick reference, lava lamp - $52.50

[Markel]

Saw this mentioned on www.hotdealsclub.com - you have to sign up as a Microsoft Partner, but it looks to be a cheap way to get a legal full version of Windows XP Professional plus some other goodies (mini-book, quick reference sheets, and a lava lamp). Here's the link to the Microsoft page. The price is $40 plus 12.50 shipping.

[bomb27]

I don't think this is worth it... not the deal itself, but just the fact that Windows XP is one fishy product.

When you install it, it generates a key request to a Microsoft server(if you have a live internet connection), or requires you to call for the key. Without this, the product will stop working after 30 days. Maybe it's not so bad, except for those of you who are pirating it...

but... the thing is, if you change configurations or upgrade drastically, Microsoft gets a notice! Apparently, it's so they make sure that your XP is not getting installed on a different computer... but what the hell! I just as rather would NOT have Microsoft know what I'm doing with my personal conputers hardware. Dayam!

Also, It's only marginally better, from my point of view and level of usage, from Windows 2000, which is a great product for me thus far.

So, proceed with caution.

[cratervalley]

Anyone know if it is a real lava lamp -- it says "glitter lava lamp" and the first thing I think of is one of those dumpy lava lamp style keychains.

[andytseng]

The debate about windows xp's copyright protection program died about a few months ago. I think most people with experience with the betas said it was pretty easy to deal with. If you're gonna make any big upgrades, just call up M$ and they'll update the information in their database. Not too much of a pain.

[Eugene]

I thought the XP thing was if you changed your hardware 5 different times within the same month, it'd give u some hassle (you'd have to call in or something), but if you kept ur changes down, it wouldn't worry about it... can anyone confirm this?

[cratervalley]

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/manplane...litlam641.html

This is probably what is it [with an XP logo added of course] -- it is probably an official "Lava" lamp as lava is a registered trademark and that is how Microsoft referred to it.

[WhiskeyPapa]

Perhaps we should change the title of this thread to:

Windows XP Pro, book, quick reference, lava lamp - $1147.50

It costs $1095.00 to become a Microsoft Certified Partner. You also need to meets a few requirements (like be an independent company that provides IT services and/or IT products based on Microsoft technologies to corporate, government and small business customers.)

Not much of a deal anymore, huh?

[Markel]

Well, if you can find an existing Microsoft Certified Partner to "sponsor" you, you get the deal for the posted price. Who knows, you might even find someone here on G|A who is willing to assist in this.

[Dzan]

Originally posted by andytseng
The debate about windows xp's copyright protection program died about a few months ago. I think most people with experience with the betas said it was pretty easy to deal with. If you're gonna make any big upgrades, just call up M$ and they'll update the information in their database. Not too much of a pain.

If you have an OEM copy, like say, Windows XP Professsional Corporate than you need a one time serial like every other windows product and it doesn't do that update your computer stuff.

I noticed though with Office XP, when I went from 2k to XP that it made me re-enter the Office serial because I "made drastic changes to my computer." Weird, because it is the OEM Office.

[SimMike777]

I must have certified myself, because after filling out a long form, I was able to get this deal. It asked for company tax ID, which I just left blank. For my company, I put my usual screenname. Last year I got in on one of these type deals with Office 2000. If I remember correctly, I got repeated calls from Microsoft trying to get me to register for their sales class, or something like that. I never responded. While I might not be their definition of an official business, I do put together lots of computer systems and make countless software recommendations to people.

[SimMike777]

"Already registered for the Microsoft for Partners Site?
Order your Windows XP Channel Excitement Kit today!"

It doesn't say anything about being a Microsoft Certified Partner. It just asks if you are "registered" for the Partners Site. Big difference. I am registered with GotApex and guess what, it cost me the same as registering with the Partner's site -- nothing.

[Markel]

I got a little help from another G|A-er who listed me under their organization. Last night the "ordering" opened up, so I was able to place my order. Got my confirmation, too.