OK, I want to be sure about Nero OEM vs Retail. Correct me if any of the following is wrong:

---I can buy a boxed full retail version of Nero for $69.

---I can get a bundled OEM version of Nero with certain drives (AOpen, TDK, LiteOn...others?), but this OEM version will work only with that particular model. It will be almost identical to the full version, except for a few minor functions.

---I can download a trial version on the Nero web site and register it for $49. It will be similar to the OEM version, except that it will work with all supported drives.

---I can buy an OEM version online or in a store for as low as $24. It will still lack the few minor functions, but work with all supported drives. I will only get a CD. No manual. No shiny box. No labels.

So is this how it works? Why would I pay $49 for a download from Ahead Software that is identical to what I can get in some stores for half that price? Am I missing something?

Finally, as I live in Canada, I would be grateful if anyone could tell me where in Canada I could buy an OEM version of Nero. I could always order from the US, but it is then possible that I would have to pay additional duties and taxes.

Thanks

Not completely accurate.

I've responded below...

quote:

---

OK, I want to be sure about Nero OEM vs Retail. Correct me if any of the following is wrong:

---I can buy a boxed full retail version of Nero for $69.

A) Boxed Retail from Fry's Electronics, CompUSA, RadioShack, etc for $69.99

---I can get a bundled OEM version of Nero with certain drives (AOpen, TDK, LiteOn...others?), but this OEM version will work only with that particular model. It will be almost identical to the full version, except for a few minor functions.
A) This is OEM, and all OEMs are limited in that they do not have the below features. (But a Bundled OEM version also will only work with the model recorder it's bundled with.)
- AntiVirus protection
- Karaoke Filter
- CrossFade feature
- Multiple recorder support (write to 2 drives at a time)
PS. This also comes with Nero Media Player, and InCD on the OEM CD.

---I can download a trial version on the Nero web site and register it for $49. It will be similar to the OEM version, except that it will work with all supported drives.

A) This is actually a Full Retail version, but with out the Nero CD Box, or Manual, or Label aplicator or labels. (No limitations at all)

---I can buy an OEM version online or in a store for as low as $24. It will still lack the few minor functions, but work with all supported drives. I will only get a CD. No manual. No shiny box. No labels.

A) Not so. We do not sell OEM in the store seperately. In the United States, it's illegal to sell OEM software without the Hardware.
However, in Germany its legal to sell the OEM software without the hardware, as long as you state it's an OEM product. You must be carefull, as you may get an OEM version that is limited to say Yamaha or TDK recorders, and you may have a Plextor, for example. Or you could get an OEM Nero CD that does support all model recorders.



So is this how it works? Why would I pay $49 for a download from Ahead Software that is identical to what I can get in some stores for half that price? Am I missing something?

A) Hopefully the information I provided will give you an answer as to why you would or would not purchase from the web. :-)

Finally, as I live in Canada, I would be grateful if anyone could tell me where in Canada I could buy an OEM version of Nero. I could always order from the US, but it is then possible that I would have to pay additional duties and taxes.

A) Unfortuneately, I do not know the answer to this, as I am not in sales. :-) Hopefully others here can assist with this.

Thanks

---

Thanks CC for the explanation of the available variations of Nero. And I thought I had things figured out! There is nothing like talking to someone who works for the company...

As for it being "illegal" to sell an OEM version of Nero in the US, I wonder if this is not too strong a word. I understand that Ahead does not want to distribute the OEM version is the US, except when it comes bundled with a burner.

But the OEM version *is* available in the US. It seems to me it could qualify as grey market. These CD's are probably imported from Europe through back channels, since this product is available over there.

For an example of one of many retailers through which Nero 5.5 OEM is available, go there:

http://www.aselectronics.com/as/product_details.cfm?cfid=16198&cftoken=16640554&ItemNo=NERO5%2E5

I wonder if this OEM version supports all recorder models...Or what will happen when one overwrites the installed OEM version with an updated version from Ahead web site.

Any other thoughts?

(in reply to BernardP)

OEM version Supports ALL WRITERS there is something called BUNDLED with only one writer

OEM- Original Equiptment Manufacturer (like software when you buy a comp no box, etc)
Retail-In store (you buy with a box, etc)
Bundled- It came with your cd Writer (it only works with your one writer brand)

I guess Bundled can be called OEM (no box etc) but OEM does not only discribe Bundled



Edited by - Sillygates on 08/25/2001 00:55:54

(in reply to BernardP)

So,the OEM version sold in stores, grey market or not, does support all writers. Does anyone here have experience with a store-bought OEM version of Nero, as opposed to the bundled version?

Does updating an OEM version through the Ahead web site cause any problem?

Thanks

(in reply to BernardP)

I suppose callling it "illegal" to sell OEM software, seperate from the hardware, is strong.

Let's just say that in the US, they have different laws concerning OEM products, than Europe does. Why, well you need to take that up with US Lawyers, who can explain that better than I can. I am not a lawyer. :-)

And there is the OEM that is bundled, as with Yamaha recorders, and only work with these models.
And then there are versions of OEM that work with all model recorders, though with limited features. These second are the most commonly sold seperate.

We do not mind this.

As for Upgrades. OEM or Retial does not matter. We only have the following limitations on upgrades....



1) If you purchased Nero 4, after Jan 2000, you are entitled to a free upgrade to Nero 5.0.4.8, but no higher. To upgrade to Nero 5.5, you would need to purchase an upgrade.(Applies to OEM or Retail)

2) If you purchased Nero 5.0x, then you are entitled to a free upgrade to Nero 5.5x (Applies to both OEM and Retail)

Regards,

Craig

(in reply to BernardP)

Thanks Craig for the additionnal info. Everything is clear now.

Bernard

(in reply to BernardP)