Those can't-live-without-'em college essentials - Word, Excel and Outlook - are now available for almost half of what Penn's Computer Connection charges.
The promotion, available at Microsoft's Web site theultimatesteal.com, offers the Microsoft Office software for $59.95.
Although Microsoft already offers cheaper prices on products purchased through academic institutions - the retail value on the top package is $499.95 - the cheapest price on versions offered through Penn is $99.
But if students have already purchased a more-expensive version from Computer Connection, the cheaper version is probably not an option.
Barbara Lea-Kruger, director of communications at Penn's Business Services, says that the store cannot offer refunds on Office 2007 versions due to Microsoft policy.
"Microsoft does not allow refunds on any of its Student Select Microsoft Office products, which are the products offered at the Computer Connection," she said. "As of today, we are not aware of anyone who has asked for a refund."
Computer Connection employees directed all interview questions to Lea-Kruger because of store policy.
The store - the main supplier of anything computer-related at Penn - is in the process of working with Microsoft and to find a way to compensate students that already bought the more expensive Office Pro Plus 2007 edition.
"Since they can't get a refund, we are in discussions with Microsoft to see if there are any other options," Lea-Kruger said.
Microsoft spokesman Joel Steinfeld pointed out that the offer was not meant to increase competition with campus sellers.
"We have historically offered students great academic discounts, but students tell us they want more flexibility in terms of how they acquire products such as via the Web," he said.
Despite the various pricing issues, students and technology experts on campus have said this latest edition of Office may have its drawbacks.
"Office 2007 uses a completely different interface; it's a big leap from Office 2003," said Engineering sophomore Sam Riggs, who is a student informational technology assistant at Rodin College House and deals with students' computer complaints on a regular basis.
Riggs added that the new version includes a new document format- .docx- -and a brand-new set of shortcuts, both of which could confuse students.
"Usability is going to be an issue at first," he said. "But once students get used to it, Office 2007 should work out fine."
Associate director for computing at College Houses and Academic Services Marilyn Spicer added, "the most significant problem is the difference in file format which could pose compatibility problems when sharing documents."
To be eligible for the Ultimate Steal, students must have an e-mail with an .edu suffix and be actively enrolled in at least 0.5 course credits at an academic institution.
Students first sign up for a free trial of the version on the Web site and then can opt into purchasing the full version at the discounted price.
The offer ends April 30, 2008.
