Windows 7: Worth the money?

[shattered.likeness]

For those of you that have the RETAIL version of Windows 7, is it really worth the ~$300 for the Full Version? As far as I've seen thus far, its just a trimmed down version of Vista, and should have probably just been released as a Service Pack instead.

I'm also still a little confused about the OEM vs. Retail versions of Windows 7. Everywhere that I read says that the OEM will only work on the one computer that install it on, and the Retail version does not have this limitation. Does this mean that if I bought the OEM version, and had it installed, and then upgraded my system, I wouldn't be able to use my OEM version again, as my hardware had changed? Or does this mean endless calls to Microsoft Support every time I change hardware, like it has been in the past? And if the latter, does the Full Version get around having to call support every time you upgrade your hardware?

[Yblad]

I have just ordered my copy, shall report back when it is intalled

[Deton]

I have upgrade version and I do believe you can do full installation with upgrade version. Sev7 is simplier, didn't have time to explore it yet.

I'm not sure about OEM thing, always purchase retail version. I don't mind to call in for 6 minutes but I know for sure that I'll grant for new activation code at every time I change the hardware (mobo mostly).

[brainfried]

hi, i have windows 7 oem, on my other computer, recently change motherboard, no problems with reinstall

[lagittaja]

Definitely worth the money!

[Yblad]

I have it installed now, and I actually think its the only decent OS they've ever made, a must buy.

[Doctor_Death]

Deton, you cannot do a clean install, I bought a brand new 1TB drive, installed the upgrade then tried to use the keycode, and it will not accept it. I emailed the Microsoft Store, and they told me the either Vista or XP has to be installed first with the upgrade CDs.

I ended up ordering the Pro full version for my SSDs and Home Premium for the 1TB. I'll use the upgrades on my VelociRaptors and Joanie's system, they only cost me $49 each anyway, so there's no great loss.

[shattered.likeness]

I remember seeing somewhere online where there is a way to use the Upgrade Discs to do a full install, but I can't remember where I saw it.

[say what]

just installed win 7 ultimate(64 bit)...pretty nice 30 seconds after the install

[Benji]

Shattered just installed W7 Ultimate(64-bit) on my new pc and so far its a lot better than my xp and vista, only thing that i could want from it is a chipset driver for my mobo .
Personally i have no idea what the OEM vs. Retail is about. I would like to as i just installed an OEM version and am considering purchasing the retail version as well if its worth it.