Microsoft wants students to "steal" Office (for $60)
Don't have the $400+ to pick up a copy of Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007? It looks like the software maker has decided to take pity on you -- if you happen to be a college student.Microsoft is offering an "Ultimate Steal" promotion allowing college students to pay just $60 for the software. We're not sure that's a "steal," considering you can get OpenOffice.org for free. But $60 is still a lot cheaper than $400.
If you're outside of the US, you'll also be able to get an even cheaper 1-year subscription version of the software for £12.95/€ 18.00/C$22.00.
The promotion runs through April 30. Students in the US, UK, and Canada can participate immediately, while students in France, Italy, and Spain will be able to buy the cheap(er) software next week. You'll need a valid college or university e-mail address to get the discount.
[via CNet]












Comments
15
Subscribe to commentsJasonSep 12th 2007 3:08PM
Who the hell cares about Open Office??? Business / People use Office... thats just how it is...
I don't understand why when a company like Microsoft builds a fantastic suite of software like Office that people flock to these freeware pieces of crap and tout them as some fantastic alternative to Office...
What ever happened to PAYING for good stuff? People wonder why so many jobs are leaving the US... well when the mindset of people is FREE stuff over quality software for a price then what do you expect?
Are you sure the Unnoffical Apple Weblog writers havent taken over Download Squad? Lately all you posts have to put in some kind of slam on Microsoft... please... its getting old... they are offering a GREAT software package to students at a HELL OF A PRICE... stop with the Open Office crap...
Brad LinderSep 12th 2007 3:11PM
Hey Jason,
All I'm saying is it's hard to call something a "steal" if it's not free. You know, because when you steal something you don't usually pay for it.
I don't think anyone would argue that MS Office has features that are absent from OpenOffice.org. OneNote, for example. But for many users, OpenOffice will suit their word processing/spreadsheet/slideshow needs just fine.
For those who would like to purchase MS Office, this is a great price. I was just poking fun at the company's decision to call this an "ultimate steal."
FYI, I'm writing this on a PC running Windows Vista, but I'm using the Firefox web browser (with IETab installed for when I need it).
jhSep 12th 2007 3:32PM
This doesnt seem like a deal considering that my college and I would assume most colleges have a liscencing deal with microsoft. Myself and anyone else going to the University of Michigan can get office enterprise 2007 for $48 and vista ultimate for $18.
Eric MSep 12th 2007 3:34PM
Call me stupid, but where is the form for this. You linked to the site but im missing where I actually "steal" it.
joshSep 12th 2007 3:37PM
I can get it (and I have) for $30 through my school.
Brad LinderSep 12th 2007 3:36PM
Eric:
Whoops. You could find the link from the press release we had linked to, but it wasn't easy. I updated the post to reflect Microsoft's main "Ultimate Steal" website.
ToddSep 12th 2007 3:41PM
Hey freedom lovers ( that doesn't include you Jason )
The move to make for you students is a simple one, just use Google Docs. You paid all that money for tuition, and that includes Internet access via your college's network/WiFi, so use Google Docs and be happy.
If Microsoft was sincerely concerned about the plight of students they would make a web based version of Office available for free - or better yet just plug the web based version of Office into Facebook and prompt for a student ID number to use. Easy.
...oh but wait, Microsoft could care less about students, they just want to lock you to the Windows operating system ( and wring 60 bucks out poor college kids ) by making you all install Office locally. That way the required "Microsoft Genuine Advantage" SpyWare can sniff out all your MP3s.
"Fight or Submit" - We know Jason has already submitted ;)
Eric MSep 12th 2007 3:52PM
@Brad,
Thanks, now to begin my mass email to all of my fellow students and teachers.
Eric MSep 12th 2007 3:57PM
FYI: Todd is sponsored by Reynolds Wrap Tin Foil hats
http://www.alcoa.com/reynoldskitchens/en/home.asp
Jeez, MS didn't lock me into Office, my school did.
JoeSep 12th 2007 4:24PM
Uh... steal? I got Office 2007 Enterprise AND Vista Ultimate from through the University of Cincinnati for $23 (the cost of the media)...
That's a steal...
larrySep 12th 2007 10:24PM
so when can we get vista at a low low price? my school doesnt sell vista at all, they have osx, but no vista... i need my directx 10 gaming!
and open office isnt exactly a great replacement, my professors keep complaining about the formatting of my pages, or the fonts, or the spacing, since openoffice doesnt handle these things the way office does... but i still use it. college is so not linux friendly.
RPSep 12th 2007 4:59PM
I'd pay $60 for this. Hell, I paid $70 for Nero Ultimate 7.
How do I get an EDU e-mail account so that I can get this deal? Don't make me steal! :-)
goldcoasterSep 13th 2007 6:53AM
Australia has already had this offer back in May.
Nice that they are offering it in other countries now.
Office for uni students
samSep 12th 2007 7:44PM
yeah...my school gives us office for free...and i got vista through powertogether so....why?
riddhish rupareliaSep 13th 2007 10:44AM
It's not steal unless it's free, i agree with that. Any how i paid total of $30 for Office 2007 Enterprise Version and Vista Business, I can't use MCE Software, but do i care nopes. Forget Microsoft and Go to your school bookstore.