Okay,

I just got an OEM Nero 6 disk. I have been using 5.5 since 5.9.9.9. I did the install and am confused by the overly simplistic interface! Where's my Nero? I've read the FAQ's from Ahead on pushing the "Nero" button to switch from Express to Nero and back again, but everything I see says Nero Express! When I press the "Nero" button on the lower left side of the interface next to the help button, I get a popup telling me how great Nero is, and an "Okay" button to close that. I've dug into the options a bit and it looks like it will do eveything the 5.5 version did but it just seems like you have to find everything again. Is this what everybody else is seeing? Or did I end up with some cut down version? And my wav editor is now gone after the "Upgrade" fabulous! I'm thinking about reverting....

Mike

Alright, I figured it out.

This OEM copy is really NOT the full version. It does have Nero 6 Express, but will not let you use the regular Nero interface. That means no creating slipstreamed XP installs for me with this version!

I uninstalled, I'm back with 5.5 and it's likely I'll stay there for quite a while since I can see no compelling reason to upgrade.

Mike

(in reply to MikeG)

Yes, alot of the OEM Nero's now are simply NeroExpress only. Only way to get the full version would be to purchase it...

(in reply to MikeG)

So 6 is now in OEM - that's something I didn't know.

Wonder if they'll be offering a cheap OEM to full upgrade, it's a bit of a stitch-up if 6 OEM and 5.5 retail (out of free upgrade period) upgraders are treated no better than those with crummy old versions.

(in reply to MikeG)

Well Matthew... there are ALOT of refinements in the 6 Version of Nero, and a few bugs have surfaced as well... Seems alot of drive suppliers are using a "scaled" down version of Nero (Express) to save themselves money, and pass the savings on to the end user.

(in reply to MikeG)

I would have to say, the trend to "Nero Express" as the OEM bundle, instead of a lightly clipped version which can be used in Full Classic, Wizard or Express, is VERY NEGATIVE.

There's not much I'd be happier to get with a drive than the "standard" Nero OEM/Bundle, but to me, Express alone degrades the bundle severely. Maybe I'm biased (having used classic for ages), but I wouldn't even consider Express as easier for newbies.

Mind you - some systems supplied with a drive, just seem to rely on the lamentable Windows software.


The answer, of course, is to vote with your feet - if suppliers notice a dropoff in sales of drives with poor bundle versions, the descent will be reversed.

(in reply to MikeG)

Yes Matthew, and then the PRICE INCREASE will be passed on to us consumers to cover the full price of Nero... ROTFL... there is never a good INBETWEEN with this one.. although I agree with you fully!

(in reply to MikeG)

All depends - once upon a time, there was NO Express option, and while drive prices have fallen since then, I wouldn't give THEM the credit for it.

Sony's rebranded Liteon, is supplied with B's Gold - Quite a nice program, and not crippled so you'd notice?

And whatever happened to Liteon's own software?

So what are you likely to find bundled these days:
Nero crippled (Express)
Nero OEM standard (would it be identified in any way)
Easy CD Creator (basic) ... the "Deluxe" is mostly frills
NTI CD Maker (currently UK coverdisked on PC Advisor)
B's Gold (with SONY)
One of the prassi engined ones - eg. Recordnow.

I have no Loyalty - for a mainstream burn program, so long as it gives me the familiar two-pane view (split with compilation bottom), I couldn't care less who it comes from.
My layout preference may tell you what I started out with, as it's NOT the default layout of Nero.

(in reply to MikeG)

Matthew,

I guess what you would need to do if buying online, is fully explore just what software is included, whether it is a scaled down version or not. Same would apply to a retail store, where it would be easier to determine, as long as the retail box was properly marked.

(in reply to MikeG)

just curious but would you guys rather use use Easy CD Creator or Nero Express?

(in reply to MikeG)

LOL The only time I would use Easy CD Cremator was if I was short of Coasters in the Office for the Coffee Cups !!!

(in reply to MikeG)

Same here Laffin, or my furnace stopped working, and I needed to burn them!

(in reply to MikeG)

hmm, i didn't like Easy but i never actually had problems with it. oh well : ).

(in reply to MikeG)

Well obviously you aint used it for much if you never actually had problems with it !!!

(in reply to MikeG)

Thus the nickname..... "EZ CD C R E M A T O R... sure to make lots of coasters to protect your valuable coffee table.

(in reply to MikeG)

quote:

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Originally posted by Matthew

So 6 is now in OEM - that's something I didn't know.

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We've bought a couple of cd-rw drives recently (Asus) and they come with Nero Express v5.5.9.x. They are OEM versions and they do NOT contain the "real" Nero.

(in reply to MikeG)