Buying downloaded software from online retailers: pros and cons

[donaldfleming]

It would appear to be possible to achieve from some online retailers a 50% discount on buying downloads of certain software (e.g. Microsoft Office 2010 Home and Business), compared to boxed retail versions.

How does this work?

Are these offers generally a scam?

What are the pros and cons of doing this?

Does anyone know of any reputable retailers that sell these types of downloads?

[glc]

I wouldn't necessarily call them scams, but they frequently do not come with a legal license - you will get a volume licensing key which is technically not legal for anyone other than the original purchaser to use. If you investigate these online retailers carefully, you will frequently find that they are located somewhere in eastern Europe in countries that have lax copyright laws.

You know - we have been giving you a lot of alternatives over the past few months in your quest to get office software as cheap as you can - how about some feedback instead of opening new threads?

[donaldfleming]

I bought the retail version of Microsoft Office Home and Business 2010 from Amazon. It was a good buy at £181. Microsoft is currently selling the same product for £240.

[glc]

Amazon is legitimate and reputable. Good choice!