new build - under $900

[dhaus]

Definitely looking at win7 now - not just because of scuzzy's information on the Win8 thread, but also because of its "improvements" designed for tablet users.  Just trying to decide if the oem savings are worth the possible issues down the road if any parts get switched out.  Still don't know if the horror stories of reactivating after a component change are caused by oem version or "user error".

[dhaus]

Just did some more research on the oem issue.  Sounds as if it was operator error.  reactivization does require a phone call to microsoft to verify the reason for the change - a new part rather than a new computer - and you're good to go. OEM it is.

[Bizman]

M$ OEM package: "By opening this package you accept the agreement inside the package, the contents of the agreement not necessarily being the same as on the one found in our website concerning the same product..."

[100Coogn]

Here's a current thread, discussing the cons and cons of Windows 8

http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,340924.0.html

Coogan

{Edit}:  Oops, looks like you may have already seen that thead.

My experience with OEM OS's:
When using Vista OEM, I never had a problem replacing components.  Swapped out motherboards and HDD's.  I did have to call Microsoft to inform them that I made these changes to my PC, in order
to get a new product key.  The hardest part I had was getting through to a live agent on the phone.  Smooth sailing after that...

[guncrasher]

i installed windows xp from a gateway computer into my puter that I built myself.  had not problems.  I have installed windows 7 in this my second upgrade and still havent had to call microsoft.

semp