As you know that comes with Linespire 2.5 and no productivity software. So if you already own Windows (non OEM version) and all the productivity software than that can be a decent deal. The way I see those bargin boxes, is that there is always hidden costs.
XP Pro will run your $200 for an upgrade and probably more for the full version. Then Office standard is what $300? The $200 computer would cost our company $700 after $500 worth of software.
Oh No we do not condone software theft in any form over here at RCNT. You might want to re-arrange your thought process when it comes to things like that...
If you own Windows 98 (not OEM) and you have the install code still, you can legally move it to another computer, but you have to legally remove it from the old one.