[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Memo to Microsoft: Enough With The Bribery here

[coastie65]

I don't about any cash back thing. I've had Windows Live search since I've had MSN Premium. I have lost track of the times I've had to uninstall the google tool bar, because it got installed with something else. I usually catch Yahoo, but seem to miss google. I am nor adverse to google, I just don't like to have a lot of tool bars installed in here. Anyway, I'm not getting paid for anything. coastie65

[kurkosdr]

LOL!
Note to Microsoft: It's about making money from the service, not giving money away!!
Me.just.can't.get.it: These people have decent products in some areas (consoles, smartphones, office suites e.t.c.) and also, a product that everybody will have to buy with every new computer, even if they don't add a single new feature in their new version.
However, they keep insisting -in a 10 year old's manner- to become competent in the search engine game, for no obvious reason or benefit whatsoever. Is it the prestige? (ms never quits... no wait, they have aleady quited the microsoft bob and the zune) Money? (nah... this msn search thing is sucking money like mad for it's development and not giving back, not to mention server and promotional costs) World domination syndrome? (no again... the place is run by a merchant)
It is just another case of a company:
1) Listening to their "analysts" too much
2) Having money to burn
3) Trying to push to the public a product that's sucks compared to some other that's already the defacto standard in people minds.
And yes... MSN is suckier. It's page is bloated, the search bar is a tiny thing at the top, the results aren't grouped ("show pages with similar results" anyone) e.t.c.

[kurkosdr]

To follow the hamburgers example, it's like McDonald's compared to Wendy's.
The first one is the defacto in people's minds, the other one is the replica. And there is a reason: People at Wendy's, and MSN search, never bothered busting their behinds to come up with something new. They just looked for what they could easily snatch and copy from the competition. Did McDonalds opened a store in one location? You could tell that a Wendy's would open in the next corner a couple of month's later. Did Google decided to do search inside swf files, you will see MSN doing it some months later.
This may reduces the research and development and setting-up costs, but what they basically ended up with is the 'always second' runner that mimicks the gestures of first, never actually got the lead and never had any real fans...

[kurkosdr]

The puzzling thing is that these guys at MS can do innovation when they want it!
In the smartphone game, they added touch screens and a gui that made symbian look old. In the console wars, they came up with the first console to had builtin harddisk and internet connection.
They just do NOT WANT to innovate in the search engine game...
Anyway, selling code and devices is easier than selling internet services, so Microsoft should stick to that for it's own benefit

[coastie65]

I think your assessment was pretty much on the money across the board in my opinion. At the time I got the fiber, it was msn or aol ( not much of a choice ). They have added yahoo now, but haven't made the switch. To lazy to make all the account changes that would be necessary with amazon and all the rest. Windows Live Search isn't much for sure, so maybe they should pay me to use it. :D coastie65

[madman21904]

Quite frankly, I haven't used any MS products or services for over two years now, and I'm happy as a clam with my penguin. And I find it flippin hilarious that Microshaft can't even BUY new customers. IMHO, they've shown what a sham their operation really is by trying that one. Just my two cents.

[justlikeaphoto]

Bleh. Okay, Windows Live is a horrible choice. I will admit that, however not all Microsoft Products and services are crap. Microshaft? Really? How much fun is Linix when you have to run a different OS through a kernal just so you can use a specific program? PC World is a great publication however I do get rather annoyed with the constant Windows/Microsoft bashing.

Also, on a side note, the first console with a built in internet connection was actually the Sega Dreamcast. Technically the PS2 also had hard drive (it was an add on purchased seperately) but it also came out before the original X-Box. The X-Box was the first system to have a hard drive from the get go but it technically wasn't innovating.

[number6]

The burger analogy is a good one. :)

[TheDigitalGuy]

I welcome Microsoft's cash back program. It currently stands at 30% cash back on any item on Ebay that is a "Buy It Now" and you must pay thru Paypal. Just on Chrismas gifts alone; I have saved over $800.00.My most recent purchase was a New Asus N10J-A1 laptop computer Netbook that I payed $689.00 and received $200.00(the Max allowed) instantly back. Tell me where you can buy a New Asus N10J-A1 laptop computer Netbook for $$489.00.
I think everyone should try it if you want to save some serious cash!!!

[coastie65]

Sounds like you did pretty well. I have pretty much closed the door on ebay, as I found the prices to be too high in the end when bidding. Fortunately, I'm not the one who got stuck paying the inflated prices. I did see a custom built desktop that really caught my eye and had upgradeable options at a good price. The upside was you could get it sans OS ( I have plenty of XP from Home W/ SP3 to MCE 2005). If the money does in fact show up in your account, then you have done well. coastie65

[samdillard]

I have always used msn, will keep using. If they want to give me back $200.00 on last purchase, I will keep taking it.

[madman21904]

lol

Microsoft's own actions and false claims warrant bashing on occassion, especially when they still have nearly 90% of the market share. ;)



Cheers

[coastie65]

samdillard said:

I have always used msn, will keep using. If they want to give me back $200.00 on last purchase, I will keep taking it.

!http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
1! coastie65

[TheDigitalGuy]

I made 2 purchases on Ebay this morning while it was 30% cash bach (now went back to 25%); within 10 minutes I had $247.60 deposited into my Paypal account. I do agrree you have to watch out for high prices on Ebay; but at the time I purchaed my Asus netbook the cheapest I had found on the internet was $677.00 w/free shipping. I also had free shipping and saved $188.00 over the cheapest price on the web.

The Money's in the Bank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[RRCREV31]

My - I have never viewed so many Microsoft Bashers. MS has been the driving force behind computers and software for years. I will use their browser and search engine to "see how they do". I bought the One Care and it failed - but this package brought the others along with one package - 3 PC's. A great savings over the past. Just give them the credit due and slow down on the bashing.Oh I know - MAC's are great - but too costly. Why buy one to run windows when you can buy a windows machine for a lot less. Have a great day and Merry Christmas.

[coastie65]

Ok. You had me smiling and chuckling with that post. coastie

[rgreen4]

I do hope that the author and editors cleared that headline with the PCW attorney's before posting.

[coastie65]

Hey rg, I had some thoughts, but seeing as to the source, I ignored it. Let the infighting begin. :D I'm outta here. coastie

[RRCREV31]

Hey - its' all in fun. I just "Love" my Vista on the two laptops. he he - I'll keep the XP Pro thank you. Have a good one.