Re: [News] [Rival] A Disappointing 'Vista Tax' Refund from Dell

[Robert Newson <ReapNewsB@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

BearItAll wrote:

> Roy Schestowitz wrote:
>
>
> > Windows Vista - the true cost
> >
> > ,----[ Quote ]
> > | Anyway, our efforts proved successful. After a couple of calls to
> > | customer service on Friday, we obtained a refund from Dell for the
> > | unwanted software (Vista and MS Works). The big surprise was the
> > | refund we were offered: a mere GBP17 for Vista and GBP6 for Works.
> > `----
> >
> > http://www.bristolwireless.net/news/?p=274
>
> I wonder if Dell get that money back off MS though. There doesn't seem much
> point in persuing these unless it is MS who pays the money back.

Very much doubt it: I would suspect that the oem licence is based on 'n' 
bought every month, whether the buyer can sell them on or not, is no concern 
on MS - that's the buyer's problem.

The fact that you only get back £17 would suggest that that is the "retail" 
value of the oem licence - whether that is also their cost or slightly 
higher is a matter of little concern...

Though it does show how much the UK is ripped off: OEM Vista - £17, Retail 
Vista - £299(ish).

And how much MS /really/ considers an installed Vista to be worth (when 
pre-installed): If MS want it to be illegal to sell a machine without OS (as 
it's obviously going to have a pirated copy of Vista installed), then they 
should only be seeking damages of £17 for each pirate copy installed as that 
is what it appears to cost to have Vista pre-installed.
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