Software Purchase Question

[Trey Gregory]

I have never ordered OEM software before, and don’t know anything about it, so I can’t speak to that.

However, if it seems too good to be true, it is. This is especially true on the internet.

Another option:
Adobe offers very generous discounts if you buy a software upgrade, all you need is a valid serial from your previous version.

I upgraded our AE CS4 for 1/3 of the cost to get it new. If you already have CS2, you should be all set.

Trey Gregory
ECG Productions – Atlanta
HD Production and Post
https://www.ecgprod.com

[Anthony Bottini]

Thanks Trey. As to the Adobe updates, yes I understand that it is a great deal to update – unfortunately, I only have an academic version of CS2 so as far as I understand, an update is not possible.

[Mark Suszko]

I haven’t read the EULA’s lately, but the last time I did, yes, Adobe had a program to upgrade your academic versions for *some* discount. That’s kind of the point for having the discounted academic version in the first place. You can ask an Adobe custoemr service rep adn ahve your definitive answer. Call them, they don’t bite:-)

[Steve Wargo]

At the bottom of the ad, where it says Product Summary and Specifications, there, on the bottom line, it says “XXX (What is this?)”. Click on the What is this? and it brings up a page that explains the different packaging and delivery materials. For instance, OEM means that it comes as though it was installed on a new computer. You get a disc(s) in a sleeve and there is no book and no support. But, after all, we are men and we don’t need no stupid books or anybody helping us. We have the COW, man.

And now that we have GPS, we sure as hell don’t ever have to ask for directions, ever.

Steve Wargo
Tempe, Arizona
It’s a dry heat!

Sony HDCAM F-900 & HDW-2000/1 deck
5 Final Cut (not quite PRO) systems
Sony HVR-M25 HDV deck
2-Sony EX-1 HD .

[Tim Kolb]

Technically, an OEM package is being sold as wholesale for a system builder to install on a system and sell with the system. It is not meant to be bought by an end user.

It’s not like the software is “cracked” but you may have problems installing the software on any system than the initial computer you install it on…like OEM Microsoft OS software.

…certainly end users buy this stuff, but I think if we put this in automotive or camcorder terms, this would probably qualify as “grey market”. Legitimate product being sold through an unauthorized channel or at least being sold to an unintended customer base.

Oftentimes you’ll see ads in the trade mags for certain East Coast “superstores” (NOT B&H BTW…they’re legit) that will have a camcorder for an unusually low price, but when you call you realize that they’ve taken the product ‘apart’ and they charge you extra for the battery and extra for the charger, the manual, etc…which is another sort of a “grey market” game.

TimK,
Director, Consultant
Kolb Productions,

[Mark Suszko]

Why be afraid to name the bad store? Its not libel when there is a substantial amount of documentation visible from a quick google search. What bugs me most is how many trade mags take their money and run that place’s ads, knowing they’re bad guys.

A good vendor like B&H may cost a bit more up front, but the cheapskate ends up paying twice as much.

[Anthony Bottini]

Thanks, I’m starting to get the overall “picture” with this OEM issue. The other thing that I would be concerned about with such a product would be my ability to update it in the future. I don’t care if and OEM version comes in a blank package with no manual, but if you can’t update it, well then its pretty worthless – I just haven’t found an answer for that yet.

Either way, unless someone else has some ground-breaking info on OEM purchases, I’ll probably just end up buying the normal package from adobe. Thanks everyone for your comments.

[Walter Biscardi]

[Mark Suszko] “A good vendor like B&H may cost a bit more up front, but the cheapskate ends up paying twice as much. “

And see, I never order from or recommend B&H due to three horrible experiences with them. And don’t even get me started on trying to return stuff to them……

Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.

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[Mark Suszko]

Walter, I’m sorry for your bad experience. But this “other” place we’re talking about has many years of documented baint-and-switch stories behind them, innumerable write-ups in customer satisfaction sites, and several news and news magazine video reports and “stings” by consumer reporters. Even on B&H’s worst day, they wouldn’t hold a candle to this “Voldemort of vendors”.

[Anthony Bottini]

Mark, if you feel you can’t name the “bad” store, let me know via email (bott44@mac.com) — just because most of what I’ve ordered has come from B&H and I’d be curious to know the “bad” place – I haven’t had any really painful problems with B&H but they certainly are a little more expensive than most.