Windows 7 Pro w/ SP1 vs Windows 7 Ultimate

[robert213]

Fry's Electronics is selling Windows 7 Pro with Service Pack 1 for $299.
http://www.frys.com/product/6023358?sit ... IN_RSLT_PG

Also, they are selling Windows 7 Ultimate without SP1 for $299.
http://www.frys.com/product/6023358?sit ... IN_RSLT_PG

Which one would you buy?

[emtee3511]

If you click on the LogicBuy Deals button at the top of the Forum home page, and search for Windows 7 Pro (I didn't check on Ultimate) you will find much better deals than $299. http://www.logicbuy.com/search/windows-7-pro

[robert213]

How difficult is it to install SP1?

With Windows XP Service Packs, I simply downloaded one installation *.exe program and ran it.

With Windows 7, it appears that I have to run Windows Update for 30 minutes, or download and run several installation programs.
http://www.microsoft.com/download/en/de ... px?id=5842

-- Edit --
Apparently, all is needed is to download and run the *.iso file
7601.17514.101119-1850_Update_Sp_Wave1-GRMSP1.1_DVD.iso

Another option, purchase Windows 7 SP1 on DVD...
http://windows.microsoft.com/installwindows7sp1
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/wind ... sp1-on-dvd
-- Edit --

[emtee3511]

Here is a quote from the download site you found:
"Do not click download if you are updating just one computer: A smaller, more appropriate download is now available on Windows Update. The best way to ensure you get Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 is by turning on the Automatic Updates feature. You can use our step-by-step instructions or, if you prefer, let us do it for you.

Just go to Windows Update and let it automatically update your machine just like you would have done with XP.

[BootSectorVirus]

$299 Fry's is a Retail version, better deals are usually OEM

OEM, once installed is tied to that hardware for life, will not activate on different hardware, like if you replace the motherboard or the entire PC.

Retail, can be moved to other hardware and will activate.

It is best to use Windows updates to install SP1 because there are a few updates that need to be installed before SP1.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2505743

Using Windows updates will take care of that for you.