Windows 7 Starter On New Desktops

[mild7even]

Looking for a new computer suitable for productivity and some gaming so decided on a desktop rather than laptop. Browsing at Panthip and other big retailers in Chiang Mai and only finding computers with Windows 7 Starter, rather than more robust Home or Professional. Salesmen recommend a copy of Professional for around 5500 baht.

Why no Home or Professional preinstalled?

I can only assume because most people will buy a pirated version and install it themselves.

The problem I see is losing the tight functionality of an OEM version. Maybe driver issues. Also probably lose the full restore option that often comes a preinstalled version.

I guess the issue I have is--given a non-OEM version of Windows, anybody have success or issues with buyng a desktop computer (like HP) and then installing Windows?

In particular, I'm looking at an HP tower with Core i5 2.8ghz, 4 gb RAM, 1 TB HD, ATI Radeon 1GB video card.

Any and all insight is helpful, and thanks in advance!

[Supernova]

I always buy Retail as opposed to OEM. The main difference between the two is the licensing.

4. What is RTM, GA, Retail, and OEM?

RTM is when the code is completed and signed off. GA, or general availability, is when that RTM'ed code is finally made available to the general public. Even though there is a full three months between RTM and GA, there is no difference between the RTM code and what you get when you get Windows at GA. The RTM bits are the GA bits. RTM is "we're done with the code", and GA is "we're done with the packaging, distribution, marketing, etc., and are read to sell it".

When GA comes, you can get Windows in two flavors: retail, which is what you buy at a store, is a less restrictive license (you can transfer it between machines, as long as only one machine is activated at a time), and you are entitled to support from Microsoft. OEM is a cheaper license, that you get when you get Windows bundled with a PC or if you buy a "system builder" copy from places like Newegg. OEM is cheaper because it's locked to a system (you can't transfer your license to another machine), and you are not entitled to tech support (the person who built your computer is responsible).

Generally speaking, there are two types of OEMs: regular and "royalty". Regular OEM is what you get when you buy a "system builder" OEM Windows. Except for the label on the disc, regular OEM discs are the same as retail discs, and they install the exact same bits as a retail disc. The difference is not in the disc, but in the key: if you activate Windows with a OEM key, that key is forever tied to your system, whereas if you use a retail key to activate, you can move that activation to another computer in the future.

The big PC makers like Dell, HP, and Sony are classified as "royalty OEMs" by Microsoft. They will often customize their disc by including logos, extra drivers, and/or hotfixes. Their discs will also include a special certificate that Windows uses to authenticate your computer's BIOS (which lets the royalty OEMs use something called SLP, which sorta allows them to bypass the hassle of activation).

Source

[Phil Conners]

Laptops and PC's often come without OS in Thailand in order to keep the price down.

Yes, surely many install a pirated version of Windows. If it was an option in the West surely a lot of people who do it there too.

Home or Premium is not more "robust" than Starter. They just have more features (that most home users don't need).

Laptops and PC's always come with a driver disk with the necessary drivers for the unit. There is no "tighter" functionality in an OEM version. OEM just means it comes without a glitzy box (and is cheaper).

Installing an OS on a Laptop or PC is a non-issue these days. If you're technologically challenged ask the vendor to install your OS for you. They should be happy to do it for free (+ the cost of a licensed OS if so required).

[Supernova]

Windows 7 Feature Comparison Chart

Official

Unofficial @ Wikipedia

[lopburi3]

Believe the starter is deeply discounted to attract some of the normal copy CD users so does not add that much to price. But Home P would likely add about 4k so is not an option when trying to sell low priced units in competition with those without.

[BB1950]

In some countries such as Thailand, Microsoft only offers the starter version.

[elshaheen]

In some countries such as Thailand, Microsoft only offers the starter version.

You can find most Windows 7 versions in stores that sell computer equipment. Pentip plaza, Siam Paragon (3rd floor right next to the book store / coffee shop) Computer Pro outlets including the one at MBK.

[BB1950]

In some countries such as Thailand, Microsoft only offers the starter version.

You can find most Windows 7 versions in stores that sell computer equipment. Pentip plaza, Siam Paragon (3rd floor right next to the book store / coffee shop) Computer Pro outlets including the one at MBK.

Yes, I know.

Notice, I said Microsoft. Which means you can't upgrade through Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade offer from Microsoft online. (Correction, I now see that you can obtain it from the Microsoft store for $79.95 for the Starter to Home Premium upgrade). But you can get the upgrade from other software distributors online (it's about $54 to $80 for Starter to Home Premium versions). By using Microsoft Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade, the upgrade is greatly discounted and you don't have to do a re installation.

Also be aware, many of these places sell the OEM versions. It cannot be transfered to another machine as it is locked into the motherboard. You should only buy the retail versions as they can be transfered to another computer or you change the motherboard.

[lopburi3]

Most of use do not change the motherboard (and from reports I have seen people have been often been able to activate with phone call even then) and OS change almost as often as computer models so if you are getting a new computer the OEM version may be cost effective.

Although in Thailand do not believe there is much difference in price with Windows 7

[mild7even]

Home or Premium is not more "robust" than Starter. They just have more features (that most home users don't need).

Laptops and PC's always come with a driver disk with the necessary drivers for the unit. There is no "tighter" functionality in an OEM version. OEM just means it comes without a glitzy box (and is cheaper).

Installing an OS on a Laptop or PC is a non-issue these days. If you're technologically challenged ask the vendor to install your OS for you. They should be happy to do it for free (+ the cost of a licensed OS if so required).

More features that most home users don't need--like using more than 2GB of RAM? The documentation I found says Starter can only use 2GB of RAM--so a computer with 4GB of RAM comes with an OS that only allows the use of 2GB? Sounds like Home and Professional are more "robust" on this account alone.

Anyway, I bought an HP with 2.8 ghz i5, 4GB of RAM, two extra 2GB RAM sticks, and a non-OEM version of Windows 7 Home Premium. Salesman wanted to sell me an OEM version, but I specifically requested a non-OEM so I can preserve the ability to transfer it to another computer in the future.

The computer did not come with a drivers disk. Salesman told me drivers could be obtained from the HP website.

The first shop I was in said they wouldn't install the system; the shop I bought it from made the offer. They also offered to install the extra RAM.

However, I felt better installing the RAM and the OS myself and that's what I did. The system is working fine, with all 8GB of RAM recognized. Required a driver update for the 1GB ATI video card and the HP 23 inch LCD monitor in order to get all screen resolutions, but that was rather painless.

Other computers I have purchased in the past with an OEM version OS installed have had "tight" integration such as all components have proper drivers and full functionality. One example is the keyboard that was included with this computer. The multimedia keys don't work--the volume control, navigation keys--and drivers apparently don't exist for Windows 7. There is a hack to make Vista drivers work, but I don't need the hassle and will roll with what I have. I guess that's what I mean by "tighter" functionality.

[raro]

Just bought me an Acer with win7 Home version pre-installed. comes with tons of software you never wanted to know about. Took me a day to figure out what is what and which programs (in fact almost all of them...) to get rid of.

Now the bummer: :annoyed:...tried this wonderful Microsoft Anytime Upgrade.....nada! Not available in Thailand!! Tried to do this with a German address but it doesn't accept my Thai credit card.

Guess I have to buy me an Ultimate license...

//edit: now after 2nd try it accepted the address and credit card but with VAT it comes to 190 Euro....that is approximately what I pay here for a sparkling new Ultimate box version...