This sounds like a conspiracy setup wtih MS so they can help ride the current economic troubles.

So it is.

Well that's one way to try to recoup the cost of the Seinfeld ads...

...avoid a new Windows license altogether, get a Linux box and run Windows as a virtual machine if you need to. But for most things, there doesn't seem to be a compelling reason to use Windows any more. At least not that I can see (for the average user, that is).

Now if I can just get VPN working on, I'll be a happy man....

Oh, and before the Wintards start moaning; I run XPsp3 and Ubuntu on the home network. I like Media Centre on XP (it does everything I want), but if I find an equivalent on Linux (and a way to convert DVR-MS) I will probably switch.

Hmm...perhpas I should suggest an Ubuntu Media project?

... I'd expect 1 Year on-site warranty replacement at least.

I'd pay that to avoid having to use Vista

I guess you have to pay quite a bit to Microsoft to have your own tech support guy/gal waiting for you call 24/7. ;-)

I'd pay it if the only other option was Vista.

@BigYin: running Windows under a VM still needs a license, ya know.

What's wrong with you people? As the Mohaveexperiment clearly shows, Vista is an amazing experience.

For that money I'd expect 1year on-site ball tongueing let alone warranty replacement!

Paris - well, who else!

So if you uncheck the option do you get 44K knocked of the price?

why not make us pay for XP-SP4 instead?

M$ have about as much chance of making moolah with that option than persisting with the joke vista..

XP works (tho it could be slimmer and simpler)..

(need more icons, wanna wink one!)

It would be a bargain at twice the price!

The answer is ~simple~, the answer is, VDR!!

You say that XPMCE (I'm guessing then ~MCE2005~), does everything you need.

So that would be for what FreeView over DVB-T then?

Sadly I wouldn't touch the German DVB-T with a Vista (...let alone a very, very long pointy Stick), so since I can not install an external Dish as it's not permitted where I live. That all but rules out DVB-S, So that leaves One with the Option of DVB-C....

.... Oh yeah hang on a Second that's right Microsoft only (...and then officially), support the 'Merikan and South Korean ATSC and the DVB-T Standard. Yeah you could feign DVB-S though a DVB-T proxy but, that's an even bigger resource drain.

And since this is FreeView that we're taking 'bout, what of the HD Channels (BBC and or iTV), granted those are still beeing broadcast in DVB-S, but are roumerd to go to DVB-S2 in short order. I think only VMCE will have support for DVB-S2 or even for h.264 for that matter.

In fact VDR was the BIG Piece of the Puzzle that is getting mo off of Windows to begin with.

The only saving grace for a Micorsoft OS is either Office or for Gameing. And allthough I like MS Office better (well Office 2003 in anycase), then Open Office, I do tend to like Open Office better the Office 2007. As for Internet there's only Firefox, and that trasends all modern OS's...

Learning to love the Penguin!

how many iPhones you could buy for that sort of money... maybe 2, or even 3! :D

Flames... because it's what I would do with the Vista license

@ The Big Yin

http://www.linuxmce.org/

Haven't tried it myself, so can't speak for its functionality or ease of use.

So, does Dell recommend Vista or XP? I think we should be told.

My pet hate is the 'xxx recommends [insert current MS product here]' puff - are we really expected to believe that it means something?

This is not a new option from Dell. It has been available for a while. It is offered on their BUSINESS desktops to business customers who do not want to (most of them) or cannot (proprietary application does not work) to switch to Vista.

The licesne is VIsta Business Edition. This covers the actual license for installing Windows XP Professional. The surcharge pays for having WXPP PRE-INSTALLED at the factory and incluides BOTH Vista and XPP restore media.

Yes, It is a bargain. Especially if it keeps the customer or client happy.

I do not know if this is affected by the January 2009 deadline for the discontinuation of sales of Windows XP.

What this really does is explain the so called numbers of how many customers have "SWITCHED" to Vista. Not as many as the sales numbers indicate.

You also have to be able to walk the walk ...

M$!!!!

Microsoft: 44 grand for a six year old operating system and people still love it.

Linux: Can't even give it away for free!

Alienware was recently giving away XP for no price change compared to Vista, maybe someone should tell them they could up their profit margin by charging an obscene amount for XP and getting away with it

Maybe Microsoft is encouraging Dell buyers to switch to Windows Vista but, is simply disguising it as a typo. I wonder....it could be true but, I very much doubt it (yes I just contradicted myself there).