Vista Ultimate questions

I asked at a software store yesterday about x64 Ultimate and store owners claim that the black box packs both 32 and 64-bit versions. I'm not sure if that's correct so confirmation from others would be welcome.

Incidentally could someone give prices for Vista Ultimate in their various locales? I can calculate the conversion myself so US$ for the United Staes, Euros for Euroland etc. quotes will suffice.

 

It's true you both get the 64bit and the 32bit version. Your license number will give you both versions.

 

How does it work? Does that mean the installation CD/DVD gives you a choice on installing 32 or 64-bit Ultimate?

 

On the ultimate retail package, you have both DVDs

On the other version, you must order/download(and yes, if you have liscences it's completly legal) a X64 DVD, for $20

 

Yep, as far as I know you can choose the version during the install of Vista.

However this won't work if you already got vista installed on your notebook (OEM) or if you buy an OEM version of Vista (if you once install that on a computer, it can only be used on that computer and never on another computer). In the last case, you have to choose between the two versions when you buy it. But that's not the version you mean (just additional info)

EDIT: oops, the first paragraph is wrong. read JCMS' post. =)

 

I don't understand you here, for example if I buy a laptop with Vista Basic already factory-installed I shouldn't have any problems installing Ultimate over it right? The option for 32 or 64 installation would solely depend on which DVD I use correct?

 

Yep that is true.... Even if you run across any problem you can format your hard disk completely and a fresh clean install should definitely work....

 

Hopefully when the time comes for Ultimate installation I won't have to go through the tedious process of a reformat. Answers from everyone are greatly appreciated.

Any takers on local prices in the North American, European or Asia-Pacific region?

 

Microsoft licence price is uniform worldwide - give and take the exchange rate. U must be specific as what local means, since with thousands resellers offering OEM licences, price difference can vary 10-20% of suggested retail.

My personal experience in buying cross-border software due to price does not pay off after taking in language difference (english speaking software on an european machine per ex.) and custom fee (yes, watch it nowadays, every single piece of software is now being reviewed carefully) unless u travel to "local" and buy it from there. Or, other than OS licences, sometimes u can download a legal image and burn it urself to an install CD/DVD.

Honestly saying, the day of buying (mail.order) cheap products from an outside country is almost over. Local goverments/Custom/Manufacturers are getting smart as to protect local resellers/distributors.

cheers ...

 

I'm not asking for something that specific, I'm simply wondering what prices people are seeing for their local Vista Ultimate software in shops. The purpose for this is for me to decide whether to buy my copy where I am now or wait until next year when I go home before getting it.

 

neweggs/pricegrabber is currently the best place as far as OEM licence price goes. They have offices in USA and EU. Any taker for Asia?

cheers ...