In true Rip-Off Britain style, Brits will have to dig deeper into their pockets than Americans for Microsoft's Windows XP. According to the software giant, an upgrade to Windows XP Home Edition will cost $99 in the US, with the full copy at $199. In the UK this same software will be priced at £89.99 ($130) and £179.99 ($262). Windows XP Professional will set Americans back $199 and $299, while Brits will pay £169.99 ($247) and £259.99 ($378).
When asked about the discrepancies, Microsoft churned out its usual lines - that the prices quoted for the US don't include tax (the UK prices include 17.5 per cent VAT), and the US uses economies of scale to help keep costs down.
News source: The Reg
