Questions on 5.5 OEM -> 6 upgrade

[starless]

Hi all, I have a Nero 5.5 OEM CD I got together with a Samsung CD writer. I would like to buy Nero 6 now, and I've read on nero.com that I can get a discounted 6 Reloaded serial by purchasing a "Nero 6 Reloaded Upgrade Downloadable Serial Number" instead of a full version.

I'd need to know if there are any disadvantages when doing this. The price difference is not much, after all, so I could happily buy the full version if it guarantees a better product/service. But, of course, I would prefer to not waste money if possible, either.

Does it have any different features from the full one?
Does it have any limits on recorders it can be used with, or on future
upgrade possibilities, or anything else?

I tried contacting Nero AG three times, at three different email addresses, but nobody answered. I have to say this does not go in favour of my purchase decision... but I'm afraid there's no better choice than Nero for CD/DVD data burning, Video DVD burning, unprotected CD/DVD copying, and other occasional multimedia tasks like small cover, audio and video editing. Right?
Any other suggestions about CD/DVD recording apps?
I've read something good about Pinnacle Instant CD/DVD, but I absolutely don't like the program GUI.

Thanks.

[MediumRare]

I'd need to know if there are any disadvantages when doing this.

None that I know of. They want to keep you as a customer and give you a break if you already have an OEM version. I went this route (as did a large number of regulars on the forum).

G

[dodecahedron]

the upgrade is the same as the original product.

if you live in the US and shop around a bit, you can find Nero 6 full Retail for less than the upgrade (serial number only) costs you on the website.

[starless]

Thanks MediumRare for your fast answer.
What surprises me is that, as far as I can tell, OEM versions do not have serial numbers (mine doesn't, at least; there's no serial printed on the CD or its cover). [edit]

PS: thanks to dodecahedron, too. Unfortunately I don't live in the USA, I'm in Italy, so I can't benefit of some interesting offers I've seen online.

[MediumRare]

What surprises me is that, as far as I can tell, OEM versions do not have serial numbers

Actually, there is a standard serial number that comes with the installation CD.
Have a look in the registry (run regedit) and chek the key
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Ahead\Nero - Burning ROM\Info]
The entry "Serial5" shows the serial no. for Nero 5.x.
I purchsed 2 identical burners last year (one for a friend) and the serial number of the Nero installation was identical.

You will need this serial number when you purchase an upgrade.

G

[starless]

Actually, there is a standard serial number that comes with the installation CD.
Have a look in the registry (run regedit) and chek the key

Good to know, thanks. I'll reinstall 5.5 to see it, I used the clean tool before installing the v6 demo.
[edit]

[dodecahedron]

i don't see the problem.
when purchasing an upgrade you're supposed to give your serial. so what if it's a genenric one and many people have the same serial?
if the argument is that someone might copy this generic serial without actually owning a OEM Nero, well that's fraud, and that person might as well find a stolen/hacked serial of Nero 6 and be done with it.
if Ahead is going to do business they have to have some faith in the customer