Is Boxed Software A Waste Of Money?

Sometimes I wonder whether or not new software in the box is even worth buying anymore.

Just to clarify, I’m talking about desktop computer software and not video games. Yes, I understand both are software titles – but at present video game consoles require physical media to play their games. Desktop computers on the other hand, don’t. With regular PCs the choice of whether to go boxed or not is optional.

So is boxed software a waste of cash? We can find this out by asking some simple questions.

1. Do I get a full printed manual?

Used to but not anymore. All the companies are now spouting that you only get a "starter guide" because it "helps save trees". That’s b.s. because they could have printed the full manual on recycled paper. The reason you don’t get a full printed manual anymore is because the makers wanted to save a buck on production costs. And I’m sorry, but "Download the PDF" isn’t what I want to hear. I want my full printed f**king manual. But that’s not going to happen.

2. Is boxed software cheaper?

Never. You routinely see markups as high as 30% for any software title on the shelf. What are you paying for? The delivery, the employees working at the store and of course the pretty box. But not the software.

3. Is boxed software easier to get?

Again, never. I can have my downloaded app in minutes whereas it takes at least a half-hour to get it the traditional way – which adds additional cost on top of paying the inflated price for software in a box.

4. Can I back up software I buy in a box?

"PLEASE DO NOT MAKE COPIES OF THIS CD." Sound familiar? With downloaded software I can copy it anywhere I want legally as long as I’m the user.

Is boxed software a waste of cash?

Yes.

Oh, and the granddaddy of all wastes of cash concerning boxed software, Windows Vista Home Premium. Not because of the OS, but because it costs almost $225 to buy it boxed.

Why is this the granddaddy of wasted cash? Because you can buy a refurb Dell PC with that OS for under $260.

Proof:

(click to enlarge)

This means for just $40 more you get an entire computer (and a fairly decent one at that) with the OS. Who would even BOTHER buying boxed Vista Home Premium when you can get the whole computer?

Sad but true.

Does this mean the Dell box is only worth 40 bucks? No. It means the retail cost of the OS is grossly overpriced.

Like what you read?

If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:

Patrick Stephens
Good article Rich. Some great points about boxed vs unboxed software. I do have one question. I like to re-install my OS every so often (6 months to a year). When you buy an OS as a download and not boxed do you still get the DVD to be able to do the re-install? Or is it an ISO file that you download and burn to a DVD yourself kind of like the Windows 7 Beta? Just curious.
Thanks.

http://www.menga.net Rich Menga
In the way I bought Windows XP I bought license-only (that’s what I needed) and they shipped out a disc of the OS. Microsoft does ship a disc for a purchased license. Don’t know about Apple.

Patrick Stephens
Thanks Rich. I’m looking to buy a license of Windows 7 online when it becomes available to the public. Thanks for the comments back.

Doctor Gonzo
Why would anybody want a printed manual? As the old saying goes, you can’t grep dead trees. Plus, printed manuals take up space. I’d much rather have a folder on my computer for manuals that I can do a text search on, if I care about the manual at all.

Jughead
I have one reason to want a printed manual. My wife is disabled and we spend way too much time in doctors offices. I take a users guide/manual along to read while we wait and wait and wait, first in the waiting room and then in the examining room. Even a dry manual is better than a two or three year old magazine for a subject that doesn’t interest me in the least. Besides, you might be surprised what you learn when you RTFM once. I have to agree though, that most of the manuals are worthless and a waste of time.
http://www.menga.net Rich Menga
Printed manuals don’t require backing up.

http://www.theFakeGeek.com TheFakeGeek
Printed manuals no longer exist for two reasons:
1) To save some money.
2) Most people don’t read the manual. EVER.
The OS you get on a new computer is bought by Dell in large volumes. That’s how they get their discounts. They also load up your new PC with bloatware software they they get a commission off of.
~rTP
While it is true that the retail cost of the OS is grossly overpriced, Dell is still only worth 40 bucks if you ask me