It's cheaper than most of the Core 2 Duos, has the M0 stepping which is good less heat, top it all of with over-clocking and it's really a good deal. $126 for it was not that bad in my book.
Intel is the kind of company that does not like to give its employees, Blue badges, or contracted employees, Green badges, which is what I am, discounts on anything any more unless you're one of the engineers.
Basically what I do is I'm a contracted employee through a temp agency, because I leave in January for Basic Training so I can not be considered a "full" employee, as that would mean me working there for a few years. Basically what my job is at Intel is to work in the NWPD, or as it was renamed, the OPD factory. It's located at Hawthorn Farm Campuss in Hillsboro, OR. Which is next to the widely known Jones Farm Campuss also in Hillsboro, OR. Check these links here...
Info on Hawthorn Farm
http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/sites/oregon/hawthorn_farm_photos.htm
Info on Jones Farm
http://www.intel.com/pressroom/kits/sites/oregon/jones_farm_photos.htm
Here's a picture of my Badge...
[url]http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9646/picture004ho5.th.jpg[/URL]
[url]http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/9770/picture001az5.th.jpg[/URL]
They spelled my last name wrong though.
😛