bchin@umd5.umd.edu (Bill Chin) (05/09/91)
I'm trying to find out if anyone has confirmation of the lower prices of OS/2 1.3. I chatted with an IBM rep at an IBM show here on campus two weeks ago, and he said that the price of OS/2 1.3SE retail is now $150. I notified the campus computer dealer rep of that right then and there, just in case he missed that. Well, I've been checking in every couple of days or so, and our campus computer dealer hasn't heard of any price changes... they still have it at $198 edu price. I tried calling IBM Direct, but after being shuffled around, (including more than one person wondering what OS/2 was and if IBM sold it), the ball got dropped and I haven't heard anything from them. If this is indicative of the enthusiasm and commitment of IBM on OS/2, then things really are in sorry shape. *real bummed out* So... can anyone confirm the price change and force it through channels so that my dealer can sell it to me at the new price? Thanks. -- Bill Chin internet:bchin@umd5.umd.edu U-Maryland, College Park *Standard Disclaimers Apply*
tholen@uhccux.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (David Tholen) (05/09/91)
Bill Chin writes: > I'm trying to find out if anyone has confirmation of the lower prices > of OS/2 1.3. I chatted with an IBM rep at an IBM show here on campus > two weeks ago, and he said that the price of OS/2 1.3SE retail is now > $150. I notified the campus computer dealer rep of that right then > and there, just in case he missed that. Well, I've been checking in > every couple of days or so, and our campus computer dealer hasn't > heard of any price changes... they still have it at $198 edu price. I can't speak authoritatively, but I think the situation goes something like this. Commercial computer retailers, like Computerland, can set their own prices, driven by desired profit margins, volume, and so on. Thus they are free to adjust prices quickly in response to whatever price changes IBM may choose to make. University bookstores, on the other hand, must sign a contractual agreement with IBM to offer their products at the educational discounted price. The bookstores can't unilaterally change their prices. Price changes will generally take place when the contract is renewed, presumably at least once a year, but perhaps more often than that. To get a price change sooner than that, somebody (either the bookstore or IBM) will need to initiate a special round of contract changes that both parties agree to. So the price change should eventually happen. but not as quickly as on the retail market. Maybe you can inquire as to when the next price list will be agreed to by your bookstore and IBM.
roelofs@nas.nasa.gov (Cave Newt) (05/09/91)
In article <8546@umd5.umd.edu> bchin@umd5.umd.edu (Bill Chin) writes: >I'm trying to find out if anyone has confirmation of the lower prices >of OS/2 1.3. > [etc.] >every couple of days or so, and our campus computer dealer hasn't >heard of any price changes... they still have it at $198 edu price. Gee...IBM must not like Maryland. Our old 1.3SE price was $153; I just called a couple days ago, and, after digging around for a few hours, the campus MicroDude reported the new discounted price at $87. Unfortunately, neither he nor the person at IBM PC Orders (800 826-6208) could confirm the "press reports" (?) of a free upgrade to 2.0 when it comes out. What's the real story here? Is this an officially announced policy or just an undocumented-but-real internal one? Not that I'm waiting to find out...at this price I can take my chances. >So... can anyone confirm the price change and force it through >channels so that my dealer can sell it to me at the new price? You could transfer... :-) Greg
larrys@watson.ibm.com (Larry Salomon, Jr.) (05/09/91)
In <8546@umd5.umd.edu>, bchin@umd5.umd.edu (Bill Chin) writes: >ball got dropped and I haven't heard anything from them. If this is >indicative of the enthusiasm and commitment of IBM on OS/2, then things >really are in sorry shape. Things are in sorry shape if it is that bad. :-/ Sometimes, I feel that marketing is like a flat tire on a Porsche 928S: this fantastic car can't go anywhere because the tire won't roll. Of course, this is my personal opinion. Cheers, Larry Salomon, Jr. (aka 'Q') LARRYS@YKTVMV.BITNET OS/2 Applications and Tools larrys@ibmman.watson.ibm.com IBM T.J. Watson Research Center larrys@eng.clemson.edu Yorktown Heights, NY Disclaimer: The statements and/or opinions stated above are strictly my own and do not reflect the views of my employer. Additionally, I have a reputation for being obnoxious, so don't take any personal attacks too seriously.
Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG (Mike Mahoney) (05/10/91)
BC> I'm trying to find out if anyone has confirmation of the lower BC> prices of OS/2 1.3. I believe I saw an announcement that the Educational price for OS/2 EE 1.3 is $109. The normal list price is $150, and the upgrade price from DOS is $99. -- Mike Mahoney - via FidoNet node 1:300/14 UUCP: uunet...!noao!coyote!emdisle!Mahoney INTERNET: Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG
gt7801a@prism.gatech.EDU (Jason Wright) (05/10/91)
larrys@watson.ibm.com (Larry Salomon, Jr.) writes: >Things are in sorry shape if it is that bad. :-/ Sometimes, I feel that >marketing is like a flat tire on a Porsche 928S: this fantastic car >can't go anywhere because the tire won't roll. Of course, this is my >personal opinion. Yes, marketing has alot to do with an operating system's success. 1.3 and Windows 3 were announced at about the same time. (Hey aren't we coming up on the 1 year mark?) Man, that was some big press conference when Win3 was announced...alot of marketing, and it is selling well. However, if the operating system is like OS/2 2.0 ( if all goes well ) and the same aggresive marketing strategies are used, we should see OS/2 2.0 selling better than Windows 3.0 did. The fact that PS/2 's will eventually come packaged with OS/2 should help. Also, with a large installed base of Windows applications out there, users will not have to worry about sacrificing their investment in Win apps. Larry: I enjoyed "THE RACE HAS JUST BEGUN" in PC WEEK, 4/29 -- Jason Wright gt7801a@prism.gatech.edu OV/2 Performance Department Computer Science Undergrad Programming Systems Division Georgia Institute of Technology IBM - Roanoke, Texas Atlanta, Georgia
yee@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Crimson Avenger) (05/11/91)
I'm sorry, this is not a flame. This is just some experience of trying to get IBM OS/2 from several dealers. I know that in my past messages, I been critical of OS/2 based upon my opinions of using 1.x (except 1.3). Anyway, this morning I visited 4-5 dealers and I couldn't buy it off the shelve. They didn't have in stock and would take 4-6 weeks. Well: Computerland - First store I went to went out of business, the second store, OS/2 1.3 WASN'T listed in there computerized inventory. After 1.5 hours, they had to call corporate to get a pricing. They had 1.3 listed in their catalog, with the reference number, but the local store didn't have a copy. Corporate said that it was BACKORDERED and that IBM won't resolve it for a couple of weeks (3 or 4). They said that IBM wasn't fulfilling the orders for 1.3 and etc... I put my name on the waiting list. Computer Factory- Didn't have it.. not on inventory list, don't carry it, although they are an IBM Business Partner.. (they made some excuse about being just authorized), but CF been a partner for years. I asked if I could be on a waiting list, got TURN DOWN, said they couldn't tell me when they will even have it. Egghead- 6 weeks and have to put 25% of the price up front. If they can't get it in 6 weeks and if I cancel the order, I lose the 25% deposit. No returns etc.. Computer Programmer- They didn't carry OS/2 and I asked them where can I find it. They said I CAN'T buy it.. It comes with the hardware and I would have to buy a computer system from them to get a copy. IBM Stores- Never even checked, they charge retail prices ($150). Okay, I don't mean to flame, BUT if IBM wants OS/2 to be a success, THEY BETTER make it so people can BUY it.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO MAD, that it will take WEEKS for getting the order. THIS is STUPID!!!!!! Did I try to get OS/2 that was reasonable? I think that most end-users would have been frustated by now, since they can't buy OS/2 in a reasonable time. I might have tried mail-order but it would have been longer. Microsoft made Windows 3.0 easily available with upgrades at Eggheads or at computer stores. ON May 17, while they were introducing Windows 3.0 in New York, California, I walked into Eggheads and brought a copy. I paid $99 and had a copy in my hand. I should be able to pay $100+ and have a copy in my hand at the SAME time. It is frustrated, when the Computerland order comes in, I might just say NO, thanks... I am MAD!!! I hope whoever from IBM is reading this understands the frustation of TRYING to buy the product. (oh, I'm not a student, so forget about local universities).. Matter of FACT, I want an EXPLAINATION from someone at IBM... -- On the other hand, Unix isn't available off the shelve either, right? Well, yes and NO, SCO and Interactives gave me the names of dealers in the area and they had the product on-hand, so I could buy it and be in my hands at the same time. It isn't true for OS/2 -- -- Robert aka Crimson Avenger (yee@rpi.edu or crimson_avenger@mts.rpi.edu) Once a hacker, always a hacker. (usere3jp@rpitsmts.bitnet)
bradleyt@spot.Colorado.EDU (Todd Bradley) (05/11/91)
In article <xr0gyj-@rpi.edu> yee@aix01.aix.rpi.edu (Crimson Avenger) writes: >I'm sorry, this is not a flame. This is just some experience of trying to >get IBM OS/2 from several dealers. I know that in my past messages, I been >critical of OS/2 based upon my opinions of using 1.x (except 1.3). Anyway, >this morning I visited 4-5 dealers and I couldn't buy it off the shelve. They >didn't have in stock and would take 4-6 weeks. Well: > Woeful story deleted... >I should be able to pay $100+ and have a copy in my hand at the SAME time. I agree. But you shouldn't feel so bad. You aren't the only one having problems ordering OS/2. I have had as much trouble as you getting OS/2 also and I've got my own ridiculous story as well. I can't believe it is so hard to convince somebody to take my money in exchange for a product they should be desperately wanting to sell. > >It is frustrated, when the Computerland order comes in, I might just say >NO, thanks... I am MAD!!! I hope whoever from IBM is reading this understands >the frustation of TRYING to buy the product. (oh, I'm not a student, so >forget about local universities).. Don't think that being a student makes it any easier. My own on-campus IBM authorized dealer is filled with salespeople who either have no clue as to what OS/2 is or want me to pay too much for it. Even with the educational discount, their price for the SE 1.3 comes to $153. I told them I can get it for that price at Computerland without any discount whatsoever. They just said "Well, do it." > >Matter of FACT, I want an EXPLAINATION from someone at IBM... > I understand how you feel and agree completely. On the other hand, from what I've heard of people trying to deal with IBM directly, they aren't any more helpful than the uninformed retailers. I hope somebody at IBM is listening, too (though it's probably too much to ask for them to care). > >-- >-- Robert aka Crimson Avenger (yee@rpi.edu or crimson_avenger@mts.rpi.edu) > Once a hacker, always a hacker. (usere3jp@rpitsmts.bitnet) > Todd. -- ------------------------------------------------------------- | bradleyt@spot.Colorado.EDU | (303) 443-6317 home | | BRADLEY_T@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU | (303) 492-5826 office | -------------------------------------------------------------
gt7801a@prism.gatech.EDU (Jason Wright) (05/11/91)
bradleyt@spot.Colorado.EDU (Todd Bradley) writes: >I understand how you feel and agree completely. On the other >hand, from what I've heard of people trying to deal with IBM >directly, they aren't any more helpful than the uninformed >retailers. I hope somebody at IBM is listening, too (though >it's probably too much to ask for them to care). >------------------------------------------------------------- >| bradleyt@spot.Colorado.EDU | (303) 443-6317 home | >| BRADLEY_T@CUBLDR.COLORADO.EDU | (303) 492-5826 office | >------------------------------------------------------------- Whenever I deal directly with IBM, I do so via mail, and I have had no problems. There is a chance, though, that on the phone you will not awaken the brightest guy/girl. As a result you will either have to wait for the smart one or get no help at all. I cannot speak for IBM, but it appears to me that most of the problem lies in the dealers. When I bought my OS/2 1.3, I did so through MR. MICRO...none were in stock, but they did order 1.3 SE for me. A couple of weeks later, I was there (having already paid) and was about to walk out with a nice package: OS/2 1.3 Extended Edition (for the price of the Standard Edition!) I could not do it. I handed it back to them and waited another couple of weeks for my SE to show up. It is difficult to determine whether the fault was in MR. MICRO, the authorized IBM dealer, or with the IBM guys that received the order and shipped the dealer the wrong package. What was nice, however, was MR. MICRO's letting me borrow their store sample copy of OS/2 1.2 while I was waiting for 1.3 to arrive. What a noble gesture <:-} It is true, though, that a list of IBM authorized dealers from a couple of months ago is outdated. (At least in my area) They pop up and shut down [too] frequently. [opinions are my own] -- Jason Wright gt7801a@prism.gatech.edu OV/2 Performance Department Computer Science Undergrad Programming Systems Division Georgia Institute of Technology IBM - Roanoke, Texas Atlanta, Georgia
tshea@vax1.mankato.msus.edu (05/13/91)
In article <427.282A38E3@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG>, Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG (Mike Mahoney) writes: > > BC> I'm trying to find out if anyone has confirmation of the lower > BC> prices of OS/2 1.3. > > I believe I saw an announcement that the Educational price for OS/2 EE 1.3 is $109. The normal list price is $150, and the upgrade price from DOS is $99. > > > -- > Mike Mahoney - via FidoNet node 1:300/14 > UUCP: uunet...!noao!coyote!emdisle!Mahoney > INTERNET: Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG I think you mean SE (Standard Edition) not EE (Extended Edition)... tim LAN Admin International IS&DP 3M, Inc.
Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG (Mike Mahoney) (05/15/91)
In an article of <13 May 91 00:01:02 GMT>, tshea@vax1.mankato.msus.edu writes: > I believe I saw an announcement that the Educational price for >OS/2 EE 1.3 is $109. The normal list price is $150, and the upgrade >price from DOS is $99. >I think you mean SE (Standard Edition) not EE (Extended Edition)... Quite right. EE is about $650. Thanks for the correction. -- Mike Mahoney - via FidoNet node 1:300/14 UUCP: uunet...!noao!coyote!emdisle!Mahoney INTERNET: Mahoney@emdisle.FIDONET.ORG