Windows 7 Purchase Questions

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euanandrews

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#44859 29-Oct-2009 13:01

I am planning to purchase Windows 7 this payday, and have some questions that need answering before settling on which version to buy...

1) 32bit or 64bit?

I know the reasons for buying 64bit, can use more RAM and system can do more calculations etc...but is 64bit supported enough yet by 3rd party devs?

To be honest 64bit would probably make little or no difference to me at this point, and I do not want to open a can of worms by installing an OS that does not have driver support...but if its reasonably well supported and 64bit is the way of the future, then I would rather buy now.

2) Version?

Is Premium the most suitable and cost effective version for a home user?

As far as I can see, there is no benefit to a home user like myself purchasing the Ultimate or Professional versions.

3) OEM?

Should I go for OEM or Retail, does it really matter?

4) Price?

Why is there such massive variations in price?
DSE is selling Premium 64bit for $389, yet Expert Infotech is selling Premium 64bit for $192.54

5) Multiple computers?

Can I install my OS on multiple computers I own, or have to pay for additional licenses?

vinnieg

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#268113 29-Oct-2009 13:29

1. 64bit definitely, you will probably want more ram in the future anyway. Most programs/games still run in 32bit. There are a few 64bit programs, a few of the Adobe products are going that way. Um can't really think of many others off the top of my head...apart from Farcry, Crysis etc

2. Premium is good, you can

3. OEM requires you to purchase a piece of hardware. Good time to upgrade say: RAM or something cheap like a dvd-rw if you only have a cd-rw/dvd-rom

Another option is an upgrade disc: which works with XP, Vista etc.
And it also works with Windows 7 RC, you just need to mod some files to get it to do an upgrade. With Vista/XP you have the option of a full clean install though.

4. Price:
The difference is, Dick Smith is Retail, EInfo is OEM

Einfotech - i wouldn't trust, do a search for: GPforums, retail experience thread in google
Dick Smith - large retail store, but has high overhead costs of selling put into the price, like staff, power etc

5. You have to buy each licence separately as no Family packs exist in NZ yet

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

vinnieg

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#268115 29-Oct-2009 13:31

Also:

If you are a student or know a student
Lapshop.co.nz
Get a copy of Win7 Ultimate for $179

If you know a US student:
you can get the $29US($39NZD) copy of Windows 7 http://windows7.digitalriver.com/

If you have family in the US:
you can get a 3-copy of Windows 7 off Newegg quite cheap, get it sent to them, then get it sent back here, total cost about $250NZD for a 3-copy incl shipping through USPS(14-days)

I'm just working out how to do mine now :) since I can get all those benefits at the moment

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

hellonearthisman

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#268178 29-Oct-2009 16:37

64bit would be the way togo.

There is a way to make a new install with an upgrade version of win7.
So if $'s are tight then you could get the cheaper upgrade version.

euanandrews

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#268233 29-Oct-2009 19:10

What are the difference between a standard version and the student version...is it just price, or are some features culled?

I have some student contacts so could take that route...

vinnieg

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#268260 29-Oct-2009 20:32

The NZ student version is Ultimate so has all the features for $179 the be all and end all in Win7 terms. The Student version of $39NZ for the US student has all the features of Home Premium edition

Apparently the $39 version is only available as a download as you have to make it into an ISO. But the ultimate one for $179 has both the 32 and 64bit copy of the Ultimate dvd :)

And as helloneathisman says, there is a way to use your current HTPC Windows 7 RC client and upgrade it fully using a Win 7 install disc. It just takes a bit of hacking to change the version:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/3075/how-to-upgrade-the-windows-7-rc-to-rtm/

And some people have reported it isn't as stable as a clean install. I think with the upgrade discs, they act like XP used to with Win98 and Vista upgrades. You ask for a clean install, it asks for the old media(ie winxp/vista) verifies you have a geniune copy, then goes ahead and runs a clean install of Win7?

I have moved across the ditch. Now residing in Melbourne as a VOIP/Video Technical Trainer/Engineer.

hellonearthisman

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#268273 29-Oct-2009 20:49

The $179 looks good 32+64 bit version, they way it should be.

This is the upgrade to full version, I was referencing, http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/23/save-80-on-your-windows-7-purchase-the-upgrade-does-full-inst/

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

euanandrews

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#268524 30-Oct-2009 12:14

To be honest, I am not interested in the upgrade version, just to save a couple bucks, its not worth the hassle.

I have decided the best course of action is to buy a 32bit + 64bit copy...but now I am struggling to find an OEM version...anyone know if and where they being sold?

- Premium 32bit + 64bit - OEM version (ultimate if the price is right, but unlikely)

The closest I can find so far is:
- Premium 32bit + 64bit - Retail version $341.22 (Ascent)
- Premium 32bit + 64bit - Retail Upgrade version $225 (Playtech)

old3eyes

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#268545 30-Oct-2009 13:04

euanandrews: To be honest, I am not interested in the upgrade version, just to save a couple bucks, its not worth the hassle.

I have decided the best course of action is to buy a 32bit + 64bit copy...but now I am struggling to find an OEM version...anyone know if and where they being sold?

- Premium 32bit + 64bit - OEM version (ultimate if the price is right, but unlikely)

The closest I can find so far is:
- Premium 32bit + 64bit - Retail version $341.22 (Ascent)

- Premium 32bit + 64bit - Retail Upgrade version $225 (Playtech)

OEM at the bottom of this page. Not they are either 32 or 64 bit disks not both.

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?page=33&s=MICROSOFT%20OEM

Regards,

Old3eyes

s.joseph

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#268563 30-Oct-2009 14:07

1) I have been running 64bit windows 7 for a couple of months now from msdn and have had no issues with compatibilty with any software at all. Its safe to say that nearly all software developers are prepping 64 bit software now anyway. Having said that 32 bit still does the job.

2) Id go for premium as all you'll be missing out on is remote and encryption features which i dont even use on professional. These can all be installed by 3rd party software vendors if needed anyway.

3/5) if you want to install it on multiple computers you need to get volum licensing only available to enterprise and proffessional. otherwise just get oem.

snowkiwi

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#268601 30-Oct-2009 15:41

Try pricespy (pretty new interface now too). I saw win 7 64bit prof OEM for $235 or pbtech Penrose , AK had 64 and 32 bit of home or prof physically in a cabinet yesterday.

http://www.google.co.nz/gwt/x?client=safari&ei=d1DqSqeUJ4P4vAPF98S6DA&source=m&u=http%3A%2F%2Fpricespy.co.nz/product.php%3Fp%3D485475&wsc=ti&wsi=f53e2d450cfd436d

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"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt"-Many...and my Dad (Words I should live by ;) )
If it ain't broke, fiddle with it ... till its broke! (Words I should really not live by)