Gordon said:
because they can, and all the idiots in this country will just pay it.
I emailed MS UK about this, and was told that one of the elements in the
calculation of SP (selling price) in the UK was "GDP per capita". As a
Management Accountant of many years standing and experience, I have
NEVER EVER come across any organisation that used such a factor in its
pricing policy. In addition, the GDP per capita in the USA is MORE than
that of the UK. Plus the fact that the DVDs are presumably being pressed
in Ireland, (as were the XP CDs), therefore distribution costs are not
great, (as opposed to importing DVDs from USA), and as the exchange rate
is currently almost US$2 to the pound, I replied to this MS person
asking for clarification on how these factors equated to a doubled SP.
Of course, I have had no reply - because there isn't one. It's BLATANT
profiteering.
More absolute FUD from Microsoft! They were sure harping a different
song some time ago:
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/Dec96/ita.mspx
In particular note: "This agreement will mean lower costs and greater
access to innovation and technology for consumers in every nation around
the world." Every nation except the UK it seems!
The notion of having the GDP factor in the calculation of the selling
price is absolutely mind boggling! To have them trying to feed this BS
to the public is is even more mind boggling, absolutely baffling! Do
they really expect us to swallow tripe like that? Quite frankly the
price difference in the UK and the EU in general is all about revenge
and greed, nothing else! Consumers it these jurisdictions should keep
the pressure on Microsoft to account for this unjustifiable price
gouging. Consumers should also complain to their lawmakers, as I see it
lawmakers should in the EU should introduce a tariff for operating
systems sold that are not bundled with new computers. The EU should use
the US selling prices, allow for shipping and other appropriate costs
and determine a fair selling price. For every dollar that Microsoft
charges above the fair price the EU should impose a $10 tariff! If
Microsoft can use its monopoly to be greedy and gouge EU consumers then
the EU can use its legislative authority to either partake in the greed
or put an end to it!
John