Yet another Windows XP question

[ajbera]

So, I'm ready to buy a genuine copy of XP Pro.

Through Pricewatch I see the Student / Work at Home version of XP Pro for $102.95. Is this the same as the full commercial version? What's the difference (if any)?

If this isn't my best option, where would you recommend I get a copy (I'd like to save money if possible.) The full version is $299.99 at Best Buy (gulp!)

Thanks.

[DaShi]

Why noy just get Vista?

[ajbera]

My PC isn't high-end (1.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM), and I don't plan on upgrading. I don't know if Vista will support all my games (my PC is primarily a game machine), especially some of the older ones. I know XP, whereas I'm unfamiliar with Vista. I hope to buy a nice new PC sometime in the next year which will probably have Vista, but I just want to extend the life of my current rig a little longer until I can afford a new machine. I want the easiest, cheapest option right now.

[-Jrabbit]

I'm counting on XP dropping in price with Vista coming out. There are indications that Pro might become cheaper than Home. I'll be surprised if it isn't available for under $100.

I don't think you should be paying Best Buy prices.

[Imran Siddiqui]

My PC isn't high-end (1.8 GHz, 1 GB RAM)

That should be good enough, as long as you have a decent vid card. Perhaps a bit more RAM, but that's fairly cheap these days.

[-Jrabbit]

BizRate shows several companies offering full versions of XP for about $120.

[snoopy369]

I believe Student pricing is just that, pricing, it requires you to prove you're a student etc... but is full version otherwise.