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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 2:05 am Post subject: |
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I thought I'd bump this thread again because we were talking media center solutions... I was at a buddy's house yesterday, and he was showing me his new Acer Aspire Revo... It was brand new, so he didn't even have any software on it yet, but it looks like a pretty cool little box for not much money. Super quiet and super low power.
HDMI, SPDIF, six USB ports, gigabit ethernet, laptop memory and hard drive...
They have an XP-based box for about $200, and the Windows 7-based box with a few more features for $329. Win 7 Home Premium is what, $175 all by itself? The higher-end one even comes with a cheap wireless keyboard and mouse.
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AspireRevo-AR3610-U9022-Desktop-Dark/dp/B0030L3ASU?tag=curtpalmecrtp-20
He got the idea from this article:
http://lifehacker.com/5391308/build-a-silent-standalone-xbmc-media-center-on-the-cheap
Apparently, the Nvidia Ion graphics are perfectly capable of playing BD rips in 1080p. I think I might have try the cheaper one at some point, and try loading XBMC or Boxee on it... $200 will barely buy a motherboard and CPU to upgrade my existing HTPC.
Anybody played with one of these?
SC
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 2:56 am Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | I thought I'd bump this thread again because we were talking media center solutions... I was at a buddy's house yesterday, and he was showing me his new Acer Aspire Revo... It was brand new, so he didn't even have any software on it yet, but it looks like a pretty cool little box for not much money. Super quiet and super low power.
HDMI, SPDIF, six USB ports, gigabit ethernet, laptop memory and hard drive...
They have an XP-based box for about $200, and the Windows 7-based box with a few more features for $329. Win 7 Home Premium is what, $175 all by itself? The higher-end one even comes with a cheap wireless keyboard and mouse.
http://www.amazon.com/Acer-AspireRevo-AR3610-U9022-Desktop-Dark/dp/B0030L3ASU?tag=curtpalmecrtp-20
He got the idea from this article:
http://lifehacker.com/5391308/build-a-silent-standalone-xbmc-media-center-on-the-cheap
Apparently, the Nvidia Ion graphics are perfectly capable of playing BD rips in 1080p. I think I might have try the cheaper one at some point, and try loading XBMC or Boxee on it... $200 will barely buy a motherboard and CPU to upgrade my existing HTPC.
Anybody played with one of these?
SC |
Windows 7 Premium is only $95. 
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:21 am Post subject: |
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| greg_mitch wrote: | | Windows 7 Premium is only $95. |
Right, yes... If you're going to ignore the terms of the license, and go ahead and build with an OEM copy you have no right to use. Of course, if you're going to use illegitimate software, why not save some more money and Torrent a corporate volume license install and be done with it?
SC
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:03 am Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | | greg_mitch wrote: | | Windows 7 Premium is only $95. |
Right, yes... If you're going to ignore the terms of the license, and go ahead and build with an OEM copy you have no right to use. Of course, if you're going to use illegitimate software, why not save some more money and Torrent a corporate volume license install and be done with it?
SC |
Wow...so now I am stealing...nice effort on that one. 
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:10 am Post subject: |
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I didn't call it that, you did... But, could you please articulate for me the difference between using a half-price OEM license you have no legal right to, and downloading a "free" warez copy, Greg?
I don't mean to pick on you, but since you brought it up...
SC
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:15 am Post subject: |
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This is from the Newegg product page regarding OEM versions.
Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116752
So if you want to stay within the terms of the License agreement you must offer the computer for resale.
Mike
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Doing HD since the last century!
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:05 pm Post subject: |
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And yet Microsoft does not care one bit that retailers like Fry's Electronics openly sell OEM versions of their software to anyone. Sounds like if Microsoft isn't going to care, then why should a buyer of the OEM software. YMMV, of course.
_________________
Trust no one. Absolutely no one. Advice of the board.
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Sparky015
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 1185
Location: Cleveland / Akron, OH
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:21 pm Post subject: |
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Sounds like Microsoft doesn't care, but your not going to get support from Microsoft if you have an issue with your homemade PC. Sounds perfectly legal to me. Big difference between this and illegally obtaining it via Torrent. That is outright stealing.
_________________
~Paul
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dturco
Joined: 06 Feb 2009
Posts: 3778
Location: Eastern Shore Maryland
TV/Projector: Runco DLP VX-3000i Marquee 9500 parts doner
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 12:49 pm Post subject: |
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| MikeEby wrote: | This is from the Newegg product page regarding OEM versions.
Use of this OEM System Builder Channel software is subject to the terms of the Microsoft OEM System Builder License. This software is intended for pre-installation on a new personal computer for resale. This OEM System Builder Channel software requires the assembler to provide end user support for the Windows software and cannot be transferred to another computer once it is installed. To acquire Windows software with support provided by Microsoft please see our full package "Retail" product offerings.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116752
So if you want to stay within the terms of the License agreement you must offer the computer for resale.
Mike |
Sure build it then sell it to your kid or wife . Now your a reseller 
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Firefly rules. Can't stop the signal.
http://www.hulu.com/firefly
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:13 pm Post subject: |
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| WanMan wrote: | | And yet Microsoft does not care one bit that retailers like Fry's Electronics openly sell OEM versions of their software to anyone. Sounds like if Microsoft isn't going to care, then why should a buyer of the OEM software. YMMV, of course. |
So, by that logic, if somebody cared about people walking in the front door of their house, or taking the stuff out of their care, then they should lock their doors, and no culpability lies with the person, umm... "borrowing" the stuff they don't have a right to... Interesting logic.
So, by your thought process, any software vendor that doesn't have a license key/activation scheme must not care if you give the software away free... After all, if they cared, they'd have a protection mechanism, right?
| Sparky015 wrote: | | Sounds like Microsoft doesn't care, but your not going to get support from Microsoft if you have an issue with your homemade PC. Sounds perfectly legal to me. Big difference between this and illegally obtaining it via Torrent. That is outright stealing. |
It sounds legal to you? Are you an attorney? So, what's the difference, the dollar amount? In one case, you're "using" a completely unlicensed warez version, and in the other an OEM copy you don't have a right to use, but paid some money for... Now, I realize copyright violation isn't the same as theft - so, we don't need to go there - but, from a logic standpoint, you're arguing that if you put $100 on the counter of the store, it's no big deal that you walked out with the $200 package of software...
Weak, guys. If you want use software you don't have the right to use, why bother paying anything at all? To clear your consciences?
SC
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ecrabb
Forum Moderator
Joined: 13 Mar 2006
Posts: 15909
Location: Utah
TV/Projector: JVC RS40, Epson 5010
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:16 pm Post subject: |
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| dturco wrote: | | Sure build it then sell it to your kid or wife . Now your a reseller |
Not surprisingly, Microsoft considered your end-run...
I hate to be the "rule Nazi", but just because you guys are accidentally or intentionally ignorant of Microsoft's license requirements doesn't mean it's right, or that Microsoft doesn't care...
http://oem.microsoft.com/script/contentpage.aspx?pageid=563841
| Quote: |
Licensing for Hobbyists
There is a growing market for "do-it-yourself" home PC hobbyists who assemble PCs from components for their own use. Microsoft retail software licenses are the appropriate licenses for the do-it-yourself market. OEM System Builder software is not intended for this use, unless the PC that is assembled is being resold to another party.
License Comparison
OEM System Builder Software
- Must be preinstalled on a PC and sold to another unrelated party.
- Cannot be transferred from the PC on which it is preinstalled.
- Must be preinstalled onto a new PC using the OPK.
- System builder that preinstalled the software must provide support for the software.
- License terms are granted by the system builder to the end user.
Full Packaged Retail Product
- Is intended to be re-sold separately from a PC for installation by the end user.
- May be transferred with some limitations.
- Does not have an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK). Media inside the box can be used to install software onto a personal computer.
- Microsoft provides support services.
- License terms are granted by Microsoft to the end user.
Q. I would like to build PCs for my company and use OEM System Builder software for the operating system. Can I do this?
A. OEM System Builder software must be preinstalled and then resold to another party. If you are using the PC within your organization, this "resale" requirement will not be met. In addition, as a system builder preinstalling OEM System Builder software onto new PCs, this requires that you grant the end user license terms to the third party acquiring the PCs from you. If you are distributing the PCs within your organization, you can’t grant the end user license terms to yourself.
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Now, is anybody unclear on which version of the software they should be buying?
SC
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Sparky015
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 1185
Location: Cleveland / Akron, OH
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 3:21 pm Post subject: |
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SC,
It doesn't really matter what their license says anymore. They set a presidence of selling to component resellers for resale to end-users/ PC builders. I don't need to be an attorney to understand that.
_________________
~Paul
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MikeEby
Joined: 24 Jun 2007
Posts: 5237
Location: Osceola, Indiana
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:35 pm Post subject: |
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I have to agree with SC..If your a real stickler for legality you must buy the computer from a reseller. This would prevent large corporations from buying OEM version to save money, they must purchase using under the volume licences agreement which is in most cases are more expensive then OEM versions.
Originally when Microsoft started the system builder program during the mid 1990's I had to take a test to even qualify as a system builder, it wasn't difficult but you had to have some basic knowledge. This was in the day when there actually was margin in computer hardware. I really don't know how anyone can make money selling PC's this day and age.
Mike
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Doing HD since the last century!
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Sparky015
Joined: 12 May 2009
Posts: 1185
Location: Cleveland / Akron, OH
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| Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2010 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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What I think they did was, they opened it up for those who want to build their own machine and don't need any tech support. TImes of changed. Dell and Gateway aren't the only "build to suite" computer makers anymore. Like I said, they set a presidence by openly selling through companies that sell computer parts for building PCs. Maybe I plan to sell the PC I built someday? Doesn't really matter.
_________________
~Paul
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WanMan
Joined: 19 Mar 2006
Posts: 10270
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| Posted: Tue Mar 23, 2010 9:26 am Post subject: |
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| ecrabb wrote: | | WanMan wrote: | | And yet Microsoft does not care one bit that retailers like Fry's Electronics openly sell OEM versions of their software to anyone. Sounds like if Microsoft isn't going to care, then why should a buyer of the OEM software. YMMV, of course. |
So, by that logic, if somebody cared about people walking in the front door of their house, or taking the stuff out of their care, then they should lock their doors, and no culpability lies with the person, umm... "borrowing" the stuff they don't have a right to... Interesting logic.
So, by your thought process, any software vendor that doesn't have a license key/activation scheme must not care if you give the software away free... After all, if they cared, they'd have a protection mechanism, right?
| Sparky015 wrote: | | Sounds like Microsoft doesn't care, but your not going to get support from Microsoft if you have an issue with your homemade PC. Sounds perfectly legal to me. Big difference between this and illegally obtaining it via Torrent. That is outright stealing. |
It sounds legal to you? Are you an attorney? So, what's the difference, the dollar amount? In one case, you're "using" a completely unlicensed warez version, and in the other an OEM copy you don't have a right to use, but paid some money for... Now, I realize copyright violation isn't the same as theft - so, we don't need to go there - but, from a logic standpoint, you're arguing that if you put $100 on the counter of the store, it's no big deal that you walked out with the $200 package of software...
Weak, guys. If you want use software you don't have the right to use, why bother paying anything at all? To clear your consciences?
SC |
Who's logic? Microsoft's? I am pretty damn sure Microsoft KNOWS what Fry's Electronics is doing and has been doing. If Microsoft is going to be apathetic about it then why should I, or better yet you, give a damn? If you feel that strongly, report it. But, I am a betting man and will bet you will not report it. So, by that logic you are as apathetic as Microsoft.
Acting like we are doing something wrong when the publisher is Ok with it seems a bit slighted. Next you will be bashing folks for buying the Student and Teacher Editions of Office while not showing proof of being either one--even though Microsoft allows Best Buy to sell it directly to anyone coming into their store. Go report that as well.
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Trust no one. Absolutely no one. Advice of the board.
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